'Open conversation' aims to tackle loneliness

The session is taking place at the Round House in Braddan

Community groups have been encouraged to take part in an "open conversation" about loneliness on the Isle of Man and how best to address it.

Isle of Man Live at Home Scheme is hosting the event at The Roundhouse, in Braddan, from 10:00 until 14:00 BST in a bid to come up with solutions to isolation on the island.

Charity chairman David Gawne said it was an important exercise as "quite often we brush these things under the carpet and then the matter only gets worse".

"We know that through isolation and loneliness there is a greater demand on mental health services and physical health services," he said.

He said loneliness could "affect all age groups", and people did not have to live alone, lack social contacts or not have friends to feel lonely.

Transport

The meeting is set to be attended by Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood, which Mr Gawne said was due to the impact that the Transport Strategy could have on isolation and loneliness.

Welcoming the document, which includes a commitment to enhance community resilience and reduce isolation, he said: "One of the problems is people haven't got a bus service, so those who can't drive cannot get out and have to rely on a friend or a taxi."

He said the charity, which stripped back its services last year due to funding pressures, had been working to reinstate some of the support it previously offered.

Mr Gawne said at that time it had become "very apparent" from service-users that the support from the charity such as lunch clubs, one-to-one befriending and outings were "very much needed".

The event is open to all, but those attending were asked to contact the charity beforehand, he added.