This is a text-only version of an article first published on Tuesday, 25 November 2014. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
"LONELINESS is painful" says Andrew Shoesmith the Chairman of the Archway Foundation speaking recently as the organisation launched its pack on loneliness for local churches. The Archway Foundation has spent the last 30 years raising awareness of the serious damage that loneliness can do.
And at last the world seems to be listening.
"In the past year there have been lots of stories in the press pointing out that loneliness affects both physical and mental health" said Andrew. Meanwhile medical research is underlining how badly this hidden disease can affect people's long-term wellbeing. Archway is christening the first Sunday after Christmas "Loneliness Sunday" as a way of shining light on the issue. Andrew Shoesmith continued to say: "We hope that this idea will catch on among the churches and that it will become a regular feature of this time of year.
After all, it shouldn't really be a shock to see Christians loving their neighbours! If the church can't be looking out for those who may be spending the festive season alone, who else is going to do it?"Details can be found on the Archway website or from the Archway office on 01865 790552.