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East Belfast is one of the loneliest places to live in the UK, according to new research for the Red Cross.

Shocking research reveals the impact of loneliness can be as damaging to health as smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and even high blood pressure.

And the estimated cost of loneliness to the NHS is about £12,000 per person over the next 15 years.

This week in the run up to Christmas, the Red Cross is responding to the findings by setting up a series of afternoon teas where everyone is welcome.

The teas will take place in East, West and North Belfast, areas flagged up in the research as having particular problems with loneliness.

The events are taking place on:

December 14, from 12-2pm at the Glen Community Centre.

December 18, from 12-2pm - Co-op community room, Shankill Road,

December 19 from 2-4pm at Connswater Community Centre.

The hope is people in the various communities who might be feeling lonely or isolated can attend and enjoy a mince pie and a cup of tea while meeting other people in the same situation.

This they believe will give them a chance to reach out and make some connections with people who will understand a common problem.

The teas will be hosted by members of the Red Cross who will be able to explain about other support, activities and groups available in the area.

A spokesperson for the Red Cross, said: "We understand that it’s a big step for people to admit they’re feeling lonely and isolated, but taking that step could be the start of a whole new zest for life in 2018.

"Absolutely anyone is welcome – loneliness and isolation affects all ages, all demographics and can even be experienced by people who are surrounded by friends and family but just find they still feel lonely inside.

"And that's why the Red Cross is launching a new team to tackle loneliness and social isolation in East Belfast.

"The charity is responding after finding that East Belfast is one of 39 areas of the UK where help is needed most.

(Image: Getty)

"Support at home services will be offered to people across the area who have been identified as being at risk of chronic loneliness.

"They will support existing Red Cross support at home services in Belfast which already provide short-term practical and emotional support at home, helping people regain their independence, for example, after a hospital stay.

"The new provision for East Belfast is one of 49 new schemes being introduced across the UK through the British Red Cross’ national partnership with the Co-op.

"The Red Cross is calling on local residents to support their community by giving a few hours a week to the new service, which over the next 18 months will provide vital support for around 200 adults of all ages who have no one to turn to.

"A recent study by the Co-op and Red Cross revealed epidemic levels of loneliness and social isolation in the UK, with over nine million adults of all ages feeling always or often lonely. Changes common in many people’s lives – such as becoming a mother, getting divorced or separated, experiencing health and mobility issues, retiring or suffering bereavement – can be key triggers for loneliness.

"The impacts can be as damaging to health as smoking and obesity, and have been estimated to cost the NHS and other public services up to £12,000 per person over the next 15 years.

"In response, Co-op members and customers have now raised over £6 million to help tackle this serious and widespread issue."

Lorna McBurney and Louise Murphy will be working on the ground in East Belfast and will form part of a national team of over 50 staff and 500 volunteers who will try to make a difference to lonely and isolated people in a wide range of different areas and communities.

Lorna McBurney, who is from the east of the city, has a background in family support is looking forward to hearing from anyone in the community who would like to get involved.

She said: "I’m East Belfast born and bred and know the area very well. I’m well aware that there is a big push from local churches and community organisations to try and tackle the issue of loneliness, particularly among our ageing population.

"I’ve already been reaching out to groups within the community, but I had no idea there were 73 different churches in the area.

"I’d love to hear from anyone who’d like to support the project or get involved in any way.”

Louise Murphy, who will be working with Lorna on the project is qualified in psychology and counselling and hopes that the project will help the community become more connected and resilient.

She said: "East Belfast used to have a great community spirit and some of that is still there, despite huge demographic changes and economic challenges.

"I think this project has huge potential in terms of connecting people with their communities, which is so important for psychological well-being among all age groups.

"Another great thing about it is that the new project is open to anyone from age 18 to 80 and people can even self-refer.

"That means you don’t have to wait for a doctor or health professional to assist you in finding help.

"If you know you are feeling lonely and isolated you, or someone close to you, can pick up the phone and ask for help directly.”

Further volunteers from East Belfast are needed to support the new service.

And volunteer commitment of two hours a week will, say the charity, be invaluable in helping local people affected by loneliness feel more confident and able to reconnect with their community.

For more information about volunteering, or to help someone affected by loneliness or social isolation receive support, contact the British Red Cross Community Connector service click here or call 028 9073 5350.

The research carried out for the Red Cross took six months and involved interviewing 45 expert witnesses, hearing direct testimony from more than 100 individuals who are experiencing loneliness as well as surveying 2,500 members of the general public.

It found:

People who are lonely are five times more likely than others to leave their job within a year.

Loneliness is costs UK employers a £2.5billon a year

Employee turnover brought on by loneliness costs UK businesses £1.62billion a year.

Reduced productivity amounts to a further £665million annually.

Days lost from employees with caring responsibilities for those with health conditions attributed to loneliness costs of £220million.

Lost working days from those experiencing loneliness amounts to £20million.

And loneliness in social isolation is as strong a risk factor for morbidity and mortality as smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and high blood pressure.

If you would like to attend an afternoon tea or bring along a friend who you are concerned about, you can get a ticket from your local Co-op store or contact Elizabeth Boyd:

07710711170

or email

Elizabeth.Boyd@redcross.org.uk