Creating Connections to Combat Loneliness
Loneliness and social isolation affect many people, even in our densely populated neighbourhood. For many these feelings were heightened during lockdowns. But Covid restrictions were lifted almost two years ago, and since then, there has been a resurgence of community spaces opening their doors to welcome people in.
Words by Samar Jamal | Illustration Laura Hurst
The inequalities people face can heighten isolation, with 44 percent of those living in the most deprived area reporting feelings of loneliness. This feeling can be particularly daunting at this time of year, when there is extra emphasis on family and connection. Govanhill is rich with organisations working to reduce the impact of this issue. I spoke to some to find out more.
The Hidden Gardens Men’s Group
Each week, the Men’s Group meet at The Hidden Gardens, where attendees participate in activities such as Tai Chi or gardening. This Christmas, they have organised a festive lunch for service users to attend.
Talking about the impact of the group, community programme manager, Dionysis Anemogiannis, says: “People I've been talking with about the program never say ‘I’m coming because I'm very interested in photography.’ They usually say ‘it's nice to be with other people’ or ‘it's nice to be out of the house’. I think the social aspect – being part of a group and doing something creative every week is the main thing that draws them in.”
He went on to explain how, by being in this space, men develop a sense of trust and commune. As a result, conversations naturally form around mental health which allows them to connect with others and develop friendships.
The group meets 2:30–4:30pm on Tuesdays at The Hidden Garden’s Boiler House. Access via Tramway, 25A Albert Drive. For more info on this and the other groups they run, visit: thehiddengardens.org.uk
The Well Multi-cultural Resource Centre - Bubbles Toddler Group
The Well Multi-Cultural Resource Centre is another space providing support to diverse groups. Their Bubbles Toddler Group, for women and children under five, is attended by mums in the area, many of whom have recently arrived.
Alicia, head of partnerships and communications at The Well, explains the significance of these spaces: “Women have a space where they can socialise comfortably. Some of the communities in Govanhill, sometimes for cultural reasons, will only socialise within same gender groups. So by being considerate of that, we can get people through the door in the first place – and we’ve seen a lot of friendships blossom from there.
“We’re trying to meet people where they are because it's hard to get someone to branch out of their comfort zone if they’re not able to access the service in the first place.”
The hybrid approach of The Well, occasionally hosting healthcare visitors and dental nurses, adds a dynamic element, offering both organic social connections and valuable information to attending mothers.
“People have said it makes them feel a part of the community more because if they're walking down Victoria Road and they see a familiar face, they're able to smile, have a greeting, or a short conversation, and things build from that”.
The Bubbles group runs 10–11:30am on Thursdays at Govanhill Free Church, 26 Belleisle Street, G42 8HJ. For more info on this and the other groups they run, visit: thewell.org.uk or call: 0141 424 4523.
No. 1 Befriending Agency
The No. 1 Befriending Agency grants a more comfortable two-way stream of support in which volunteers take part in a 12-week befriending session supporting people aged 65 and older.
Connie Lynch, the service manager, explains how it is for people to work towards goals and continue growing their confidence and skills: “Volunteers visit service users for one hour a week and chat with them but some people also have specific goals they might want to achieve. For some, it's about getting support digitally so they can join virtual events or others might want a walk around the block.”
Connie also explains: “A lot of volunteers have joined us because they’ve experienced loneliness coming out of the pandemic and a variety of other reasons… The core of what we do is building connections.”
For more info on volunteering or accessing the service, visit: befriend.org.uk
The Dixon Community
The Dixon Community has been facilitating community-based, integrated social and cultural projects in Govanhill for over 50 years, offering a variety of support services. As well as day care, they offer support to carers and multicultural activities for those over 55. The variety of activities offered – including bingo, dancing, lunch club, fitness classes and more–allows people of all abilities to participate in something that they will enjoy. During the festive season, they offer special Christmas activities and lunches, ensuring everyone can participate in the festivities.
One senior support worker makes it clear that The Dixon Community strives for more than just service facilitation: “They are our members, they come to the AGMs and we know them all by name. They are not just people who come in and use the building… They give us feedback, this is their club. Everything we do is geared towards them and what they want.”
For more info, call: 0141 423 0728 or email: dixon.carers@dixoncommunity.org.uk
Community organisations and charities prove the impact their services have on people. Without these networks of support, we can slip into hyper-individualism that promotes isolation. We can also look after each other during the winter months by sharing these resources with people we think might benefit or by volunteering our time in these spaces. Many community spaces need the support of volunteers to continue the work they do.
For many more services and weekly activities not mentioned click here .