SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has attended the launch of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness’s ‘Older People Spotlight’ to pledge his support for the Commission and find out practical steps he can take to help tackle loneliness amongst older people both at Westminster and in Derry.
Passionate about tackling loneliness, Jo Cox set up the Commission before her murder in June 2016.
In her memory the cross-party Commission is being taken forward by MPs Rachel Reeves (Labour) and Seema Kennedy (Conservative), supported by Jo’s family.
As part of the Commission’s spotlight on older people, nine organisations – including Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society and the Campaign to End Loneliness – are working collaboratively to raise public awareness of loneliness and encourage everyone to act to tackle it.
Mr Durkan said: “With Age UK research showing that 1.2 million older people are chronically lonely, and half a million people over 60 usually spend every day alone, there is clearly an urgent need for action.
“While loneliness can strike at any age, older people are at higher risk of being lonely as they are more likely to experience deteriorating health and the death of a loved one.
“Disability, poor health, poverty and limited access to transport all contribute to older people feeling cut off from their family, friends and local communities, meaning many older people have little or no social interaction.
“I am therefore delighted to support the Jo Cox Commission’s call to action under its slogan ‘start a conversation’ and their goal to mobilise us all to help our neighbours, family and friends – whether it be simply talking to a neighbour, visiting an old friend, or just making time for the people we meet.”
Co-chairs of the Commission, Rachel Reeves and Seema Kennedy, said: “Loneliness is a silent epidemic across the UK. We all need to act and encourage older people to freely talk about their loneliness.
“Everyone can play a part to ending loneliness among older people in their communities by simply starting a conversation with those around you.
“How we care and act for those around us could mean the difference between an older person just coping, to them loving and enjoying later life.”
People can help by making time for older relatives and checking in on older friends and neighbours who they know.
In addition, the organisations are asking their supporters and followers to post #happytochat on their Twitter and Facebook status to create online chatter around loneliness and encourage people across all generations to be aware of the loneliness that can often be found in communities throughout the UK.
Anyone who wants to find out more about the Commission or how they can get involved in tackling loneliness in their community can visit www.jocoxloneliness.org for further information.
