Will you join us in tackling loneliness this spring by supporting Genesis Life Projects? The first £6,000 given to our Spring Appeal will be matched thanks to a generous supporter, making your donation go twice as far. 

‘Men’s Group has opened up my group of friends. Good food too. Has helped the burden.’ ~ Men’s Group member

Loneliness and isolation is a global issue affecting 1 in 6 people. Last June the World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report, ‘From loneliness to social connection’, which stated between 2014-2019, deaths linked to loneliness totaled 871,000 annually. Loneliness can lead to both physical and mental ill-health such as heart disease, strokes, depression and anxiety.  

On a local level, BaNES Health and Wellbeing strategy reported that 26.84% of residents experience loneliness ‘often, always or sometimes’. This is higher than the average across England. 

At Genesis Life Projects, we are seeing the effects of these reports in the lives of our clients. Many are socially isolated because they live alone or are experiencing homelessness. Several have mental or physical ill-health which creates barriers to social inclusion. Some are also living with addiction, often resulting in broken relationships with minimal social support networks around them. 

How are we tackling loneliness and isolation? 

Genesis Life Projects creates belonging through a person-centred, relational approach to supporting local homeless and vulnerable people. 

‘Thank you for having a knitting group on Friday morning. It always has a lovely atmosphere and it’s really beneficial for me to be around kind, supportive and understanding friends. Socialising with people who accept me as I am. It is something which has helped me to be more confident. Thank you knitting group.’ ~ regular client 

Our holistic approach encourages clients to move between projects seamlessly, building their confidence and social network in a time frame that works for them. Our projects include: 

• Life Connect – meals at our Gateway Centre and in the city centre. A way to connect with others as well as an opportunity for staff to signpost clients to other services we provide or external agency support. 

• Lifeline – our day centre opens three times a week. As well as offering practical support we encourage social participation through boardgames, shared crosswords and a social gathering space.  

• Life Skills – courses such as craft groups, therapeutic courses and walking groups encourage shared learning, interaction with others and builds confidence. 

‘At times when I have been a bit stressed, I have chatted things through with [staff member] Nathan and it’s been a real help…The course has helped me interact better with people, I see that others have issues too, and the weekly meets have built my confidence and put me on a better road and attitude for the future. Plus, I’ve made a few more friends.’ ~ member of Men’s Group

This spring we are asking you to tackle loneliness with us by supporting our person-centred work at Genesis Life Projects.  Thanks to a generous supporter, the first £6,000 will be matched, so your donation will be doubled. Please can you offer community with us to those in our neighbourhoods who are isolated and alone?  

Together we can build a community full of connection and belonging.  

Thanks for your support. 

Emma Drew

Fundraising Manager