Stockport TPA helping people make connections to reduce loneliness
Stockport TPA Community Connectors work alongside individuals to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing through connection.
The Prevention Alliance (TPA) is made up of six not for profit organisations who work together to improve health and wellbeing in Stockport.
Stockport TPA Community Connectors work alongside individuals to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing through connection. They do this by providing opportunities for people to explore informal connections and networks of interest or benefit to them.
‘We offer a variety of ways to connect with others and reduce loneliness. Whether this be a connection with others of similar interests on a one-to-one basis or connecting with others at one of our social inclusion groups, we will work with people to establish what type of connection feels best for them.’
Here are some of their activities and groups;
Intergenerational Pen Pal scheme
Run in partnership with Stockport College, this scheme links members of the community who may be experiencing isolation and loneliness with young people from the college. People of all ages and abilities have taken part, communicating by email or letter, and have felt less lonely because of this scheme.
Zoom Together virtual community group
Born out of the pandemic, this is an online friendship and support group open to anyone looking to meet new people and find out what’s available to them in Stockport. The group regularly has guest speakers around employment and training, presentations about local organisations in Stockport, what they can offer you and how to get involved in volunteering, breakout rooms for special interest discussion groups, and quizzes, games and fun!
“The Zoom sessions have been invaluable during an incredibly difficult year. I really look forward to them every week. Mark and Steve have both been fantastic, friendly, supportive and professional. It has been great to check in with them, and everyone else once a week.” – Zoom Together group member
The Zoom Together group meet every Wednesday at 2pm – 4pm. If you would like to join, please email mark.emery@stockporthomes.org or Steven.Delahunt@jigsawhomes.org.uk or get in touch via our Facebook page https://facebook.com/stockporttpa
Social inclusion football group
Run in partnership with BOOST, the group meet every Monday afternoon at the Powerleague from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. To join, contact Steven.Delahunt@jigsawhomes.org.uk or steve@the-thread.uk to get involved or call us on 0161 474 1042 and ask for Steven to contact you.
Walking Groups
TPA Community Connectors are also leading four walking groups across Stockport. These are open to anyone wishing to walk for their wellbeing and connect with others in the local area. A few of our regular walkers initially joined to reduce their loneliness and have since made lasting friendships as a result of the group. The walks are a great way to boost mental wellbeing through physical activity! We offer a variety of walks and all our walks are free. We have walks suitable for individuals with mobility issues and longer walks for those who are up for a challenge. To find out how to join, visit our website at: https://stockporttpa.co.uk/walking-groups/
Are you a Mama with a little one with allergies?
Stockport Allergy Mamas is a community group that TPA has supported to develop. The idea for the group came from two mums feeling isolated when their little ones developed symptoms of allergies. They wanted other mums to feel less alone and develop a network of mums that could support each other, and they worked with TPA to grow this group. They offer support via WhatsApp, Zoom and face to face events. Stockport Allergy Mamas also put on workshops; a recent workshop had author and mental health advocate Emma Amoscoto to help parents manage their anxieties with little ones with allergies. To get in touch, contact stockportallergymamas@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stockportallergymamas/
“When my little one was a baby she didn’t stop crying, I didn’t know what to do I felt completely lonely and then I started to see all these signs of allergies. I had no idea what I was doing and health professionals just didn’t have the time to really understand what life was like. I then found Stockport Allergy Mama’s and the support I got from them was invaluable, they just got what it was like to have a baby with allergies. I felt so much better knowing I could speak to mums who understood.” – Stockport Allergy Mama group member
To find out more about the support offered by the TPA visit https://stockporttpa.co.uk/
Nobody in Stockport should feel they are alone and there is lots of support in Stockport to help you connect with others. You can find details on the Healthy Stockport website along with tips and ideas on how to feel more connected.
#StockportLoneliness #LetsTalkLoneliness #LonelinessAwarenessWeek
