The Emerge Project

Social isolation and loneliness are becoming an increasing problem across all age groups.  Following the recommendations of the Jo Cox Commission on loneliness, the government have announced a new strategy to tackle loneliness in the UK.

The Emerge project is a new project delivered by Salford Foundation which aims to reduce women’s loneliness, reduce social isolation and increase their wellbeing by developing a peer support programme and creating links within the local community.

We want to encourage and empower women who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation to take part in social and community activities, develop friendships, form social networks and access self-help support.  Proposed themed activities include:

• Arts & Crafts
• Community Café
• Green Spaces
• Sport & Leisure
• Digital Connection

The project is aimed at women aged 18+ living in Salford. Referrals will be accepted from statutory, and voluntary organizations, community groups and individuals.

The project is managed and led by a full time “Project Navigator”, Joanne Clough, who is based at our women’s centre in Eccles, Salford.  Joanne is currently being supported by 2 part time Peer Champions, Maggie Hesketh and Leanne Eluma, who will develop small groups in the community and support women to engage in these activities.

We have been researching existing activities that are available in the community and aim to get women involved in activities such as meeting for a coffee and chat, cycling, walking, crafts, yoga, dancing, gardening, singing and anything else that they might be interested in. It is our vision that women will inform the activities that they would like to engage in.

As well as a short assessment, women will also be asked to complete a ‘ Getting to know’ you form, which is a series of low pressured and light hearted questions to get them thinking about what they would like to do.

The aim of the project is to increase confidence and self-esteem, engagement in local social activities, friendships and improve overall health and well-being. We want to empower women to access local services and take part in shared activities beyond the project. Our project aims to collect data and record outcomes and to find out what works best in reducing loneliness for women in Salford.

For further information, please contact Joanne Clough, on 0161 787 8686.

joanne.clough@salfordfoundation.org.uk