WHAT IS THIS EPISODE ALL ABOUT?

The bible tells us in Philippians 2:4 that we as a church need to look after our needs, but also the need of others.

With that in mind, one of the pressing societal issues, is tackling loneliness, particularly among older people. How can the church address this issueespecially as it has been widely recognised as a public health risk.  Jeremy Sharpe is the National Director of Linking Lives UK. You’ll hear about Linking Lives work with churches and Christian organisations to address loneliness in their communities amoung socially isolated older people.

TRANSCRIPT SUMMARY

Jeremy’s background and how he came to be of the National Director of National Christian charity Linking Lives UK?

What is Linking Lives UK mission (reason and purpose)

Jeremy’s reaction to a statement made by a high-profile church leader "Loneliness is the absence of people. It is the absence of purpose. Find your purpose & you will find the right people".

Why loneliness amongst older people in the West appears not to receive the attention it deserves generally.

The statistics on loneliness

How do Linking Lives UK prepare churches and Christian organisations to work in their communities i.e. there training and support.

Dealing with older people who speak varied community languages

The Twos Company project and how local churches can b involved in to serve their own communities

ABOUT JEREMY SHARPE AND LINKING LIVES UK

Jeremy Sharpe is the National Director of national Christian charity Linking Lives UK which works with churches and Christian organisations to establish local befriending projects aimed at socially isolated older people. These projects match volunteers with one person for a regular home visit and, where possible, older people are encouraged to engage in local events & activities in the community. Since the start of Covid-19, he has been spearheading the creation of a new telephone befriending model called Twos Company. These projects match volunteers with one person for a regular call which can make all the difference to a lonely older person.

Visit the link below to find out how your church assembly can become involved in tackling loneliness.

LINKS

https://linkinglives.uk

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