Hull CVS are teaming up with partners across the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector to shine a light on loneliness at the Be Connected Loneliness Conference on Friday 10th November 2023.

What: Be Connected Loneliness Conference – Working together to tackle Loneliness

When: 9.30am – 4.30pm on Friday 10th November

Where: Canham Turner Building at the University of Hull.

Register: FREE place HERE.

This is an essential event with loneliness impacting both physical and mental health and ultimately affecting everyone over the course of their lives.

It will bring together likeminded individuals (staff and volunteers) to explore the factors that lead to loneliness and some of the amazing solutions to the wicked issue being delivered by VCSE groups in our area.

The conference will include:

• The faces of loneliness – experts of experience who have been effected by loneliness will share their stories and support received.

• Inspirational speaker Steve Judge (who has an amazing story) will help delegates to imagine a different approach to tackling loneliness.

• A showcase the work being undertaken to tackle loneliness in Hull.

• Support in spotting the signs of loneliness.

• A Q&A Session with experts from across the day.

• A workshop choice.

• A networking lunch.

The event places are FREE with up to 4 places at the event per organisation. We welcome volunteers attending the event, as they are often the people delivering support to those most impacted by loneliness (Full volunteer expenses will be paid). Register for a FREE place HERE.

Matt Wright, Head of Community Development at Hull CVS said: “I have been impacted by loneliness on a personal level and have seen first-hand how chronic loneliness can destroy lives. With this insight I have helped to develop this conference with likeminded organisations who are equally passionate about tackling low level loneliness and help to ensure that people get the support and social connection they need to live happy and fulfilling lives.

“We hope we can set a vision for the region in how we respond together to tackle loneliness and how we can spot its signs more quickly to prevent situations escalating for those suffering. It is only through this joined approach that we can hope to tackle the societal issues that are linked to it and ultimately reduce the demands it places on social, health and safety crisis services.”

The Conference has been funded by UK Government through the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund that aims to increase volunteering and tackling loneliness. For more information about the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund and other funded activities in Hull visit: https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/1-3-million-distributed-in-hull/

For more information about the conference email Hannah Meadway – hmeadway@hull-cvs.co.uk.