Press release (13) - DVSC launches its winter #DenbighshireVolunteers social media campaign #Tacklin

Firstly we would like to wish all of our DVSC members, partners, volunteers and supporters a Happy New Year. We appreciate all of your enthusiasm, time and support and look forward to your continued support in 2019.

As the membership body for volunteers, voluntary and community groups, third sector organisations and social enterprises with a mission to build resilient communities through voluntary action, DVSC is launching the next phase of the #DenbighshireVolunteers Winter campaign ‘Tackling loneliness and isolation’. This follows on from our Connect4Christmas campaign.

We would like to encourage all DVSC members, partners and supporters to join us in raising awareness about loneliness and isolation especially now that the festive season is over and we enter the New Year.

DVSC wants to dispel some of the myths around loneliness and isolation during this campaign and will do so throughout winter via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Loneliness is still one of society’s great stigmas

and affects all ages. We all have a part to play

in combating it as individuals, in our communities,

businesses and wider civil society.

The festive period will have been, undoubtedly

particularly hard on many people; the bereaved,

those unable to get out, those without close friends

or family and those in care, but it is crucial that we

remember that life might be hard for these people the whole year round.

Surprisingly young adults are more likely to feel lonely than older age groups, says a study from the Office for National Statistics. The research found that almost 10% of people aged 16 to 24 were "always or often" lonely - the highest proportion of any age group. This was more than three times higher than people aged 65 and over. Researchers suggest that older people might become more "resilient" to worries about loneliness.

Beat those January blues!

You can get involved and inspire others through our social media #Connect4Winter campaign! Get involved via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or call in and see us at the Naylor Leyland Centre, Well Street, Ruthin, LL15 1AF and share your thoughts and ideas on how to support #Connect4Winter.

There are also a number of ways you can contribute directly to our #DenbighshireVolunteers campaign.

Try volunteering – visit denbighshirevolunteers.net – read our volunteer stories, and click on the get-involved button to look at our volunteering opportunities and register your interest.

Volunteering gets you out into the local community, helps you to meet new people and learn new skills. We have a variety of roles and opportunities available and if you cannot find what you are looking for us call us! We can tailor a volunteering experience around your personal needs

Pop in to Open Doors, 1pm-3pm on Fridays, a

volunteer led space for individuals to develop new skills and meet new people. Open Doors has been running as a community drop in for over 2 years at the Naylor Leyland Centre, Well Street, Ruthin.

Come along and get that #Fridayfeeling; the warm glow that comes from meeting new people, learning new skills, making connections, and having great conversations.

Use January to focus on the five ways to wellbeing – help yourself and help others at the same time

If you can afford it, why not donate to the #Connect4Winter campaign? - Individuals or organisations can support the campaign through our #DenbighshireVolunteers projects Local Giving page using the hashtag #Connect4Winter. Every pound donated will be used and reinvested in our winter campaign activities.
Send us information about your events and activities such as befriending activities that you may be holding that relate to loneliness and isolation, we will share your information through our networks, social media and websites.
Do some #digital volunteering for DVSC – like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram - retweet, share and help spread the word.

Remember small acts of kindness can make a big difference!

Let’s flourish this winter

and enable others to flourish with us.

Notes to Editors

About DVSC

DVSC is the membership body for volunteers, voluntary and community groups, third sector organisations and social enterprises.

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, DVSC, the County Voluntary Council operating in Denbighshire. Our mission is to build resilient communities through voluntary action, and social enterprise, provide excellent support for our members and to be an influential voice in Denbighshire and North Wales.

DVSC works closely with North Wales CVCs, and is a member of the Wales-wide network of CVCs which in partnership with the Wales Council of Voluntary Associations (WCVA) forms the partnership that makes up Third Sector Support Wales.

To make sure you are kept up to date when funding opportunities are available make sure to subscribe to our mailing list by following the link - Subscribe for News Updates & Bulletins.

For further information contact Helen Wilkinson, DVSC’s Chief Executive, helenw@dvsc.co.uk 01824 702 441 or 07713 997 075 Or Julie Pierce, Marketing and Engagement Officer julie@dvsc.co.uk 01824 709 321