‘For some parents, school holidays are not fun’. Tackling loneliness and food security together in communities

In today’s increasingly connected world, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues. And yet there are, sadly, still many people who go whole days, even weeks, without speaking to another human being.

Rev. Dr Andrew Knight has seen first hand the devastating effects of social isolation in local communities across Chester Diocese. Some may not have loved ones living nearby, and many aren’t digitally connected.

“Loneliness is a huge problem,” Andrew says.

“Research shows that people who are socially isolated tend to have an increased level of depression and anxiety, are more likely to be admitted to nursing homes and hospitals, and have declining mobility and high blood pressure. Loneliness reduces older people’s quality of life.”

According to the National Institute on Aging, the health risks of prolonged isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Andrew is Vicar of St Mary’s Church in the parish of Partington and Carrington, a large housing estate close to Manchester.

He is also chairman of Transforming Lives Together (TLT), a joint initiative between the Church Urban Fund, Chester Cathedral and Chester Diocese that was set up in 2013 to help tackle isolation and poverty in local communities.

Among the projects supported by the charity is Places of Welcome, a network of spaces, led by local church volunteers, where people can come together.

“Sometimes this is where people might have their only conversation of the week,” Andrew says. “Many are from the older community, and here they can interact with others, and share free refreshments.

“We also offer advice on energy bills, bereavement support and cooking skills. It’s all about building resilient and flourishing communities.”

Another initiative run by TLT is Filling the Gap, a network of churches across the diocese delivering food and activities during the school holidays; that’s when children who receive free school meals are most at risk of going hungry.

“For some families, school holidays are not a fun time,” Andrew says. “People have experienced greater financial challenges over the past couple of years. They’re struggling to afford the basics, and the choice between ‘heating or eating’ is affecting our communities.”

There are currently 17 churches across the diocese involved with Filling the Gap across areas including Manchester, Stockport, Crewe and Chester.

As well as supporting families with food provision, there are many free fun activities, crafts and games that parents and kids can enjoy together.

TLT has now been handed a huge boost by winning £5,000 as part of Co-op’s Winners Share It All prize draw. The charity was chosen by a Co-op Member, who also received their own £500 prize.

Each month until December, 10 Co-op members are picked to win the cash prize for their chosen Local Community Fund cause, along with £500 for themselves.

Non-members can also become a Co-op member and take part for just £1 via the Co-op app. The Winners Share It All prize draw is designed to help boost Co-op’s existing support for thousands of grassroots causes.

Thanks to Co-op members, since 2020 Co-op have shared over £58 million with 20,500 local causes across the UK.

But getting vital funds to causes like TLT can’t be done without your help, and taking part in the Winners Share It All prize draw is your chance to start changing local lives with your next shop.

Simply choose your Local Community Fund cause via the Co-op website or app. Then spend £5, either in-store or online via shop.coop.co.uk

Scan your membership card at the till and you will automatically be entered every month for a chance to win big for you and your community*. Members get additional entries for every £5 spend.

“The money from Co-op will help fund more community workers and help deliver training opportunities for volunteers," says Andrew. “Co-op is all about grassroots funding for projects like ours.”

Find out more at coop.co.uk/communities

^{*UK, 18+. Co-op members only, 10/04/24-31/12/24. Co-op Group food stores and web purchases only, excludes independent co-operatives. Full Ts&Cs at coop.co.uk/terms/winners-share-it-all}