Social isolation is a major health issue, which can lead to a range of health conditions and is becoming a significant issue that is affecting a growing number of people in Wirral.
Lunch Clubs, where people have the opportunity to come together to share a meal, provide many people with the opportunity for social contact. The time spent with others at lunch clubs and the relatively low cost of the service, mean that attendees are not just having their nutritional needs met but they are also interacting hence, lunch clubs may be seen as vital to the health and emotional wellbeing of those who use them.
In a recent survey carried out in Wirral, by Community Action Wirral, nearly all of the clubs reported that their service users felt less socially isolated as a result of attending the service.
Many lunch clubs offer additional activities and services to those who attend. Bingo, quizzes, entertainment, hobby and craft activities as well as signposting to support services are the most popular additional activities that people enjoy at lunch clubs in Wirral.
The lunch clubs make every effort to remain affordable. Whilst some offer the service free of charge, the average cost per person for a lunch club in Wirral is £2.69 per session.
Many of Wirral’s lunch clubs are facing challenges in tho coming months and years however.
Some have seen a fall in service users in recent times, and will need to think about how to attract more members. Other clubs spoke of the future availability of their venues being uncertain, sometimes as a result of buildings changing hands and others due to the rising cost of rent.
Attracting dedicated volunteers, with the right skills will also be a challenge for lunch clubs and there are plenty of opportunities for people to get involved. Catering experience, communication skills and coming from a care background are all skills thought of highly by lunch club organisers.
Each and every lunch club is different and there is no single ‘one size fits all’ approach to running one successfully. All of our local lunch clubs are run by passionate volunteers.
Lunch clubs are undoubtedly a vital part of many people’s week and some go to multiple clubs on different days. Without the affordable meal, the social activity and the services on offer, these people may be at greater risk of social isolation.
If you know of someone who is at risk of becoming socially isolated, Wirral’s lunch clubs could help them to meet new people and give them regular social contact with others. Food for thought.
For more information about lunch club services in your local area, you can check the health & wellbeing directory WirralWell by clicking here. You can also call the WirralWell hotline on 0151 638 9179.
The information summarised above is taken from a piece of research, conducted by Community Action Wirral, entitled “Lunch Club Provision in Wirral”. If you would like to read an extended narrative and download the full report, you can do so here.
