Mental Health Day – how Brendoncare’s community services are supporting the wellbeing of older people

The Mental Health Foundation, the organisation behind Mental Health Day, says:

“As a society, we need to tackle inequalities and look at the social, economic, environmental and other factors affecting mental health.”

Brendoncare is committed to playing its part in improving the mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues, care home residents, community service users and volunteers. We would like to spotlight the work of our community services, including our Hampshire and Dorset clubs.

They help older people living in their own homes to always feel welcome at one of our in person and online clubs, or to offer a friendly voice over the phone.

In particular, they support older people who live alone who may feel isolated or cut off from others in their community.

According to charity Mind, feeling lonely can have a negative impact on mental health especially if you have felt lonely for a long time.

Loneliness:

Alleviating loneliness among older people is one of our key aims. We know we are making a difference to our members, improving their mental health and wellbeing.

The results of our 2024 Club Member Survey tell us yet again the importance of providing clubs with a friendly, and safe environment, giving older people a lifeline, a purpose, and an opportunity to connect with others.

Here is what some of our members said when we asked them “What does your club, or clubs, mean to you?”

“Friendship, camaraderie, a feeling of self-worth”.

“Attending the clubs helps me ‘mentally’”.

“A lifeline. Something to look forward to and a reason to get out of the house.”

“The club stops me being lonely and depressed.”

“At the age of 90, it keeps me going.”

“Getting out of the four walls and making new friends.”

“It’s everything to me now I am on my own.”

“A purpose in life.”

“Somewhere to go, meet friends, have a laugh, especially if you are on your own.”

“Acceptance for who I am in a safe environment.”

Commenting on the survey result, Martine Martin, Brendoncare’s Head of Membership, says:

“It is a great privilege to be able to play our part in supporting older people. We enable them to make connections, improving their mental and physical wellbeing with our network of fun and friendly clubs, and our telephone support and digital advice services.

Positive:

“I am overjoyed to hear such positive comments from our members as it shows how impactful Brendoncare’s community services are for so many people.”

We would love to hear from anyone who would like to become a Brendoncare member, the benefits of which include meeting new people, making new friends and enjoying a range of stimulating and fun activities.