Combating Loneliness Through Learning

The world of learning is multi-dimensional in terms of contributing to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of society. The project looked at one specific dimension of learning benefit, namely how to use learning as a tool to address social isolation and loneliness among older people. We drew on the expertise available from partners in Latvia, Poland, Portugal and UK to collectively learn, shared and planned new strategies to maximise the benefits of learning among the target group European demographic data highlights in all countries an increase in the average age of the population as a result of the twin trends of increasing longevity and reduced birth rates. Freedom to move for work and travel in Europe is a great positive benefit of the Union, however it has led to many families facing greater distance of separation, with younger and older generations living in different countries. This reduces the traditionally family led support and a resultant increase in isolation among older generations. Many studies highlighted the impact isolation has on mental health, general wellbeing, reduced nutrition and exercise. Loneliness can sap self-confidence and reduce quality of life. learning can play a role in addressing such isolation, provide a purpose to leave the house, to network with and make new social contacts / friends. The project partnership currently engaged in these activities, though each recognise the opportunity to improve through sharing ideas, learning from each other and introducing Self-Organised Groups as a strategy to ensure sustainability of learning.Through four short-term joint staff training events we provided a platform for experts to share learning techniques and methodology in areas such as quality standards, learning planning / delivery, intercultural and intergenerational dialogue, mentoring, self-organised groups and in specific topics (e.g. traditional arts & crafts, horticulture, reuse of materials, IT, language etc). Through the training events we identified and developed good practice examples and published these in a Good Practice Guide on How Learning Contributes to Combatting Loneliness and Social Inclusion, which will be widely distributed to ensure learning is maximised to both internal and external stakeholders. Alongside the Guide we also prepared and made freely available a Toolkit on How to Set Up and Maintain Self-Organised Groups as a method of ensuring ongoing learning provision.