Merseybank Christmas Party and parcels
Christmas party with gifts to help support people who are isolated or with low income.Benefit of social activities
Connecting with others is one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, five evidence-based actions which can improve personal wellbeing. Social connectedness has a strong positive impact on both physical and mental health. Increased social connectedness is linked to reduced mortality risk, healthier lifestyles and higher cognitive functioning. Socially well-connected people are more resilient, feel more able to take charge of their lives and less stressed. Older adults that are socially connected experience increased life satisfaction.
Location
Merseybank popup shop
Project team
Merseybank Residents Group
Quids In Project (Southway)
Aim
Local residents knew of people living on the estate, who would not be able to do anything special over the Christmas period. Some would be unable to heat their homes. We funded the group to host a party, and for those who were housebound, created gift parcels.
It created a sense of inclusion and reduced isolation.
Testimonial:
“I never expected this. Thankyou. It’s a lovely thought, and I’m not afraid of being alone on Christmas day.”
Evaluation
The project was thought up by local volunteers who manage the local Quids In shop, and so are very aware of the difficult situation of many people living on the estate. The event increased people’s sense of inclusion and community.
Strategic links to local/national policies
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Benefit |
Policy |
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Social inclusion |
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Enabling resilient communities |
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Increased mental wellbeing |
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Helping people live healthier lives |
Healthy Lives, Healthy People (MH Government, 2010) The Manchester Locality Plan – A Healthier Manchester |
Research/evidence base
Global Council on Brain Health (2017) - The Brain and Social Connectedness
Ministry of Social Development (2018) - The measurement of social connectedness and its relationship to wellbeing
New Economics Foundation (2008) – Five ways to wellbeing
Oliver Huxhold, Martina Miche, Benjamin Schüz. (2014) Benefits of Having Friends in Older Ages: Differential Effects of Informal Social Activities on Well-Being in Middle-Aged and Older Adults, The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 69, Issue 3, Pages 366–375.
Umberson, D. & Montez, J. K. (2010) Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 51(S) S54–S66.
Contact
Bernie Murphy - buzz Neighbourhood Health Worker
T: 07971331537
If you found this page helpful, maybe someone else will too?
"Before I didn’t know anyone in this area, then a neighbour invited me to the afternoon tea, and I met lots of people who live just a few doors away."
Local resident attending Spoon and Ladle afternoon tea, Burnage
