One Vision Housing
Sefton, Winter 2024
Project information
Social isolation and loneliness, particularly among older populations, is a particularly pressing issue facing some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Research tells us that a considerable proportion of older individuals experience loneliness, with 1.4m older people admitting to being lonely according to Age UK. When the feeling of loneliness persists it can have a negative impact on well-being and quality of life.
To help combat social isolation amongst our communities, the Stakeholder Engagement Team worked with partner organisations to arrange a series of events to support tenants in improving their health & well-being.
Each year Sefton OPERA holds a winter 'Beat the Blues' event addressing increased loneliness during the month of January. Around 100 people enjoyed a two-course meal and an afternoon of entertainment and dancing. As principal sponsors of the event, One Vision Housing invited tenants from their Retirement Housing Schemes, arranging travel to and from the event to ensure they could attend.
The Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre works to bring the Netherton community together by providing a safe and friendly environment for local residents to drop in and access a variety of services. Throughout the past year One Vision Housing has worked with the centre to sponsor a series of free events for older people in the community featuring an afternoon full of delicious food and live music.
Outcomes
In total, this project helped to support over 150 Sefton residents, and generated £257,499 in social value according to the HACT social value calculator.
A One Vision Housing tenant, said:
That was great! Thanks for inviting us. I don't get many chances to get out, so it was good to come out and see live music again.