Helping find a cure for loneliness
CHRISTMAS is the happiest time of the year for most people. However, this can also be a depressing time for others, especially those living alone.
But there is help available in the form of the Social Prescribing Programme, a concept being run by Galway Rural Development (GRD) which is trying to address this situation by connecting them with local community groups, activities and services, helping lonely individuals meet new people in their area.
“We were originally set up to help the local GPs, who just didn’t have time to deal with patients who needed little more help from them than information about what’s on in the area to cure their concerns with loneliness,” explained programme coordinator Katie Grant.
“A high proportion of people coming into medical practices with these types of concerns, they didn’t have any medical issues. Many came in just so they could have a chat with other people while in the waiting room as they were feeling lonely.
“A GP is too busy to be looking for clubs or activities for these people, and that’s where we come in. I’m like a middle person, somebody who is there to help find clubs, training courses or volunteering opportunities that will get the person out into the community meeting new people.”
The programme, which GRD has been running since July 2024, is open to anyone over the age of 18, who have either been referred by their GP or contacted Katie directly looking for an appointment.
She meets with each person individually at first over a cup of tea or coffee, either in the GRD office or the Ard Ri Hotel in Tuam. This allows her to get to know the person better, while ensuring they know they are not alone, and that there are many others who feel like them - isolated and lonely.
“Some who use this service might just be new to the area and not know anyone. Once they hear about clubs they may feel like they are good to go, but then there are others who are dealing with a bereavement or divorce, which meant they are no longer socialising like they once did,” added Katie.
“Many people just want a friend, somebody to have a chat with over a hot drink from time to time, which I’m happy to become. But we also organise some group meetups in the hopes that it brings those feeling isolated together, creating a potential new friend group for them.”
Katie offers a variety of options to suit the interests of all comers, with a group or activity to suit everyone who comes through the door. This includes local men’s sheds, creative writing groups, sports clubs, alongside a host of exciting courses and volunteering opportunities.
There is never any pressure to join any groups, but should they be nervous to go on their own, Katie is always happy to tag along at first, to make those feeling anxious about joining a new club or group feel more comfortable around their new setting.
“So many people coming in here looking for help didn’t seem to know anyone locally, leaving them worried about joining new clubs for the fear of not knowing anybody there,” noted Katie.
“That is something we have all felt worried about in the past, trying to fit in with a new group of people, but what I do is go along with the person on the first night, so they will know someone there, take some of the pressure off them. This helps them integrate into the group easier.”
GRD currently run their Social Prescribing Programme in three towns across the county: Tuam, Athenry and Loughrea, with demand for their services meaning a waiting period of one to two weeks is in place before Katie can meet any new client.
She has dealt with people of all ages, from college students and those in their 30 and 40s who are struggling to make connections with others, to pensioners whose friend circle is rapidly dwindling down. All are welcome and will be helped.
“If you are feeling lonely, don’t be afraid to reach out to us and we can see if we can link you up with others with similar interests. Don’t be worrying about your age,” added Katie.
“It starts off with meeting over a tea and coffee, where there is no pressure to join any clubs. There is nothing clinical about what we do, there is other places to go for that and we can point you towards them if required. We are just a place for people to feel comfortable away from doctors or therapists.
“We often look for what they enjoyed as a child. Maybe they have great memories of times spent playing sport or being involved with drama or art. The idea is to support them and guide them, see if we can get them back involved with these activities again,” she concluded.