Published 13th June 2023
Loneliness Awareness Week takes place from 12th – 18th June 2023, raising awareness and encouraging conversations about feeling lonely. Inspire are supporting this year’s theme “Connection Matters”, led by Marmalade Trust, by highlighting the fantastic opportunities libraries offer and help those who are feeling lonely to connect with those around them.
In 2021 a selection of our Nottinghamshire libraries launched their first Places of Welcome sessions, a national scheme with a network of informal events open to all where drinks, biscuits and a friendly face are offered free of charge. Visitors are invited to take a seat, indulge in refreshments, and make themselves comfortable in our welcoming library spaces. The sessions are hosted by a team of wonderful volunteers, with help from library staff, who are equipped with knowledge and resources to support your library experience as we confront loneliness in our communities head-on.
Madge, who first visited Places of Welcome at Sutton in Ashfield Library in September 2022, told us: “I haven’t been coming long, but it’s not overwhelming or scary and you get to know people. You see them in the street or around town and they say good morning to you. My family all live far away, so coming here is like having a new community around me”.
It isn’t just those attending the sessions that benefit; Kath, a volunteer who hosts the sessions commented, “I didn’t know anyone before coming here, but getting out and meeting new people has made such a difference in my life. I can see people grow in confidence each time they come, it’s lovely to see the impact I have on others”. Inspire currently has nearly 1,000 members signed up to Community Makers, covering roles at our Places of Welcome sessions, family activities, craft groups and more, showing that whether you have an hour or a whole day to spare, there’s always a way to help the community around you.
If talking to a stranger feels daunting for library customers, they can beat the blues from the comfort of their own home! Inspire has a range of health and wellbeing resources to make connecting with loved ones easier: memory lane bags to aid conversation with those suffering from memory loss, adult care cases for use in larger group settings, or for a moment of me-time, wellbeing bags. Each kit includes a selection of materials designed to improve mental health by connecting with the people and environment.
For those looking for a regular pick-me-up, Inspire’s libraries host more regular sessions where users can make new friends with like-minded individuals. We host reading groups across the county, in libraries such as Arnold, Edwinstowe and Newark, providing a space to chat about the latest title with staff on hand to help track down your next read. They also host crafting sessions where knitters, crocheters, quillers and more are encouraged to bring their project and craft in good company. Sessions take place at varying intervals to fit into even the busiest of lifestyles.
Inspire acknowledge that libraries can’t conquer all life’s problems and for those feeling particularly isolated and dealing with difficult emotions, the Reading Well collection is a great resource available for borrowing. Featuring books recommended by trained professionals, titles such as ‘Overcoming Anxiety’, ‘Defeating Depression’ and ‘Life After Bereavement’ are available in many of our libraries and can be reserved on our online catalogue.
This Loneliness Awareness Week explore the resources, friendships, and networks in your local library, as they show that connection really does matter.
In recent years it has become even more important for libraries to provide support and friendship to communities with resources, spaces and opportunities to connect. I am proud that our staff and volunteers have developed such strong connections which have made an impact on individuals and communities alike. I’d encourage anyone to explore what their local library can offer.
For more information visit inspireculture.org.uk/health and lonelinessawarenessweek.org
