A CHARITY dedicated to helping beat loneliness and isolation in Southampton has raised £2,008.72 from its recent annual Tree of Light campaign (January 2025).
Communicare held switch-ons for light-covered trees – each one commemorating a lost loved one or a special cause – at the end of last year and sponsorship was open until December 31.
Annie Clewlow, Manager at Communicare, explains: “We’re here to help people live their best lives, rather than to just exist. Every sponsored light helps support our multi-generational initiatives befriending people in communities city-wide, through our Good Neighbours Network.
“Our mission is to eradicate loneliness and isolation, which are issues impacting on people of all ages and potentially represent a significant health risk to them. Fundraisers like this are so vital to us and to those we help.
“Along with our band of volunteers, who we call Communiteers, that give their time and support freely, we’re working to eliminate loneliness, which is known as society’s ‘silent epidemic’.
“New medical research out at the start of this year suggests social interaction may keep us healthy because it boosts our immune system and reduces our risk of diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and type two diabetes.
“Researchers came to this conclusion after studying proteins from blood samples taken from 42,000+ adults recruited to the UK Biobank. Find out more here www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250103125029.htm. These findings are just part of growing scientific evidence that loneliness is a potential killer impacting significantly on our nation’s health.
“We’re thrilled to have had such a good response to our recent campaign. The names of those remembered will be recorded in our remembrance book out soon and are now published on our website.”
Communicare is currently supporting more than 750 individuals/families through tasks including, befriending, transport for appointments and assistance with shopping and always needs more donations and volunteers to help with its work.
Annie adds: “The current economic climate means we need support from public donations more than ever before. Every penny we receive goes towards making someone’s life better.
“If you ever have a spare hour, or so, each week, then we’d love to hear from you, as we always need more volunteers and befrienders. The experience could also benefit you, as many of our Communiteers say how much volunteering has enhanced their lives, as well as those they befriend and assist. We can be flexible and work around your other commitments too. Please get in touch via 023 8250 0050 or volunteer@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.”