Loneliness and listening
Exciting things are afoot in the Ellesmere Port Branch!
Up until now, our main work in Ellesmere Port has been literacy mentoring, using the "That Reading Thing" programme. However, back in September we were inspired by "The Listening Post", a project run by our Darlington branch, so we have started conversations with our local 6th Form College about offering a listening service to their students and staff.
We know that listening and support services are desperately needed and that this will be a fantastic way for us to serve our local community. In a recent report by the Office of National Statistics, 57% of young women said that they felt lonely some of the time and a BBC survey found that 16-24 year-olds reported experiencing loneliness more often and more intensely than any other age group.
In addition, the 2017 Prince's Trust Youth Index report stated that half of young people experienced problems which got in the way of their education and half of those young people did not talk to anyone about their difficulties.
Active listening is a great response to loneliness and having no-one to talk to. The Mental Health Foundation’s number one self-care tip is to talk about your feelings, because being listened to helps you feel supported, less alone, better able to cope, and it nurtures and develops emotional intelligence.
Starting in the new year, we will be present in the communal college space, making ourselves known to the students and staff. Appointments will be available for those who want to talk. We will also be able to offer ‘That Reading Thing’ sessions to any of the students who feel that they are struggling with reading.
We are really excited about the new opportunity to contribute to a local college, help young people to stay and succeed in education and give individuals an experience of being cared for and valued. Bring on the new year!
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