Tackling Loneliness

The ‘Tackling Loneliness Together’ project is aimed at connecting more older people at risk of loneliness.

A recent study from the Office National Statistics (ONS) showed that 2.6 million adults reported that they felt lonely ”often” or ”always” whilst 7.4 million adults reported their well-being had been affected through them having felt lonely in the past seven days.

In September 2020, the EFL Trust received £810,000 from the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) to support 32 EFL Club Community Organisations through the project in deprived locations, including Stevenage FC Foundation.

The new grants will allow expanded activities across the country under the campaign ‘Let’s Tackle Loneliness Together’, include befriending phone calls, online social groups, a pen-pal scheme, social action from young people taking part in NCS and socially distanced ‘garden gate’ conversations to emerge across EFL communities and reach the people who need this vital support right when they need it the most.

The EFL Trust will also be one of a number of charities and business across the UK who will join the government’s Tackling Loneliness Network, leading the charge against Loneliness. The group will explore ways to bring people together to build strong community spirit, with a focus on groups at particular risk of loneliness, and will work to continue these initiatives in the future

Our History of Tackling Loneliness

The EFL Trust network has a history of working with people across all generations and have a track record of connecting the people who need it most.

COVID-19 Response

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation along with other EFL clubs have made over 120,000 phone calls to vulnerable people, set up virtual quizzes, exercise routine as well as dropping off shopping and having doorstep conversation. The new funding will see that work continue and expand.

For more information about our Covid-19 response please – Click Here