Kirklees will be represented on a national level to tackle loneliness in lockdown following an announcement of a £750m investment for national and local charities to tackle loneliness.
A Tackling Loneliness Network is being established by the Department for Culture, Digital, Media and Sport. Carol Stump, President-elect of Libraries Connected, has been invited to join. Carol is also Chief Librarian at Kirklees Libraries.
Tackling loneliness in Kirklees
Kirklees Libraries staff have played a central role in our Covid-19 Community Response efforts to tackle loneliness. Calls to library members over the age of 70 years in particular have offered support for wellbeing and reassurance in these times of uncertainty.
Most recently, the library service took part in a virtual Autism Show to highlight their services for autistic people.
Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Corporate said:
“I am delighted that Carol will be joining this network and we are keen to share our thoughts and experiences with others to see what can be done on a national level.”
Carol’s invitation to join this network is recognition of her knowledge and Kirklees Libraries staff’s hard work and commitment to tackling loneliness not just during this crisis, but for many years prior to the current pandemic.
Kirklees Libraries has been at the forefront of community engagement to help combat loneliness and runs a number of popular programmes for people of all ages and backgrounds. Since lockdown, they have also made more resources available online so people can stay connected. This is vital in a time of crisis where people often feel isolated and lonely.
I am incredibly proud that once again Kirklees Libraries is seen nationally as leading the way.”
The Tackling Loneliness Network
The Tackling Loneliness Network aims to bring together insights, data, learning and ideas from a wide variety of sectors from across the UK, to inform future action by government and others across society.
More information
For more information about how you can help tackle loneliness, please visit the Lets Talk Loneliness website.