Marmalade Trust to Hold First Loneliness Awareness Week
Marmalade Trust, the loneliness charity based in Bristol, will be launching the first ever Loneliness Awareness Week on Monday 12th June.
The aim of the week is to start a conversation on the issue of loneliness, often referred to as a silent epidemic.
The highlight of the week will be the premiere of Lorna, a short movie written and directed by professional filmmaker Lee Skelly which broaches the subject of social isolation. The movie’s main protagonist is played by Helen Pearson of Hollyoaks fame.
Amy said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Lee Skelly to premiere his movie Lorna. The 15-minutes movie is hard-hitting, depicting the experience of one individual. It is a very accurate representation of what we see with the people we support”
The screening of Lorna will take place on Tuesday 13th June at 6.30pm at the Station in Bristol. Tickets to the premiere cost £10 and include a drinks reception as well as a Q&A with director Lee Skelly and Marmalade Trust founder Amy Perrin.
Throughout the week, other activities and events will also be taking place across Bristol, targeting the city’s entire demographic range.
Marmalade Trust will release 1,000 badges which will go on sale in various businesses and offices around Bristol to raise funds for the charity.
Amy says: “The badges are deliberately void of text and simple. We are hoping that they will spark a conversation and get people to openly discuss the issue of loneliness.
“The reality is that most of us will have felt lonely at some point. For some, it might just be temporary but for others, loneliness becomes a prison they can’t get out of. The only way to tackle social isolation is to break down the barriers and start talking about it.”
The children in years one and two at Victoria Park Primary school will get involved with a drawing competition. It will be a chance for them to creatively explore the meaning of loneliness and its impact.
The residents of Desklodge, one of Bristol’s main co-working spaces which is home to many start-ups and small businesses, will hold a charity bake sale on Thursday 15th June to raise funds for Marmalade Trust.
On Friday 16th June, Marmalade Trust will set up shop in The Bearpit between 11.30am and 2pm. Volunteers will be on hand to discuss the issue of loneliness and ways in which we can all help. There will be entertainment on offer as well as marmalade sandwiches.
Amy says: “We timed Loneliness Awareness Week so it ties into the Great Get Together that is organised across the country on 17th and 18th June in memory of Jo Cox.
“Jo Cox was passionate about tackling the issue of loneliness and a loneliness commission was started in her name earlier this year.
“We’re hoping that the week will highlight the fact that loneliness is an issue that affects all walks of life. Most importantly though, we want to empower people to speak openly about it and encourage initiatives that will tackle the problem.”
For tickets to the film premiere and updates on the various activities taking place that week, or to get involved, please go to: https://marmaladetrust.org/loneliness-awareness-week/
Note: Members of the press are invited to attend the premiere of Lorna at the Station, Silver Street, Bristol BS1 2AG on Tuesday 13th June from 6.30pm. To be added to the guest list or to arrange interviews, please contact Sarah-Jane Freni at Shooting Star: sarahjane@weareshootingstar.co.uk
Ends
Notes to editors:
- Marmalade Trust works closely with local health professionals, public sector organisations, charities and community groups to support lonely and isolated people in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
- In 2013, Amy Perrin, a qualified occupational therapist, found out that three older people she volunteered with were going to be on their own on Christmas day so she offered to take them out for lunch. Word spread and three became 18. The Marmalade Trust was born.
- In 2014, Marmalade Trust welcomed 40 guests at Christmas. In 2015 the figure grew to 60 guests across three different Bristol locations and in 2016 there were no less than 90 guests across five locations.
- By catching those who are alone at Christmas, Marmalade Trust identifies those who are most isolated and vulnerable to loneliness. The charity then pairs them up with a buddy who will help re-socialise them by providing information and support.
- For more information visit: www.marmaladetrust.org
For media information contact:
Sarah-Jane Freni
Account Director
Shooting Star
0117 3131120
sarahjane@weareshootingstar.co.uk
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