Five new 'Loneliness Champions' recognised in the Borough

Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network has recognised another five members as Loneliness Champions in the Borough.

A Loneliness Champion is someone who uses their knowledge, skills and experience along with training to positively impact the lives of others and help reduce loneliness and isolation within the Mid and East Antrim area. This takes the total number of Loneliness Champions in MEA to 17.

The five new Loneliness Champions – Juls Hanvey, Marie O’Loan, Elaine Rajkumar, Natasha McDonagh and Kyleigh Lough – recently received certificates from Chairperson of the Loneliness Network, Marjorie Hawkins, at an event in Larne Town Hall

A Loneliness Champion is a member of Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network who helps to reduce loneliness and isolation in their local area by:

•             Developing and building relationships within the local community

•             Raising awareness about loneliness and social isolation

•             Helping to reduce the stigma of loneliness by talking and discussing loneliness openly

•             Sharing information about relevant opportunities for people to engage

•             Providing key information, advice, support and encouragement to colleagues within the voluntary, community and statutory sectors

•             Promoting key initiatives within Mid and East Antrim including Chatty Benches, Chatty Cafes, Chatty Walks and the Kindness Postbox.

Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network launched in December 2019 and is made up of a range of community voluntary and statutory organisations who all work together to prevent and address loneliness.

Chairperson of Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network Marjorie Hawkins said: “Nobody should be lonely in Mid and East Antrim – we believe that loneliness is not inevitable. People of all ages need connections that matter.  Loneliness Champions are enthusiastic and motivated members of the Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network and are willing to go the ‘extra mile’ to achieve positive outcomes.  I am delighted to recognise another five Loneliness Champions and look forward to many more people coming forward to become involved in the initiative.”