Happy To Share My Table Cards
(Image Source: My Own)
Introducing the new version of my Happy To Share My Table Cards. This second printing was facilitated by funding from Recovery Devon, which applied for and received funding from the Community Lottery.
The funding enabled 50,000 cards to be printed and distributed across the UK.
Exeter University Research
Exeter University also secured funding to research the cards’ viability. Did they work to help reduce loneliness? Unfortunately, the rollout of these cards and the subsequent research coincided with the escalation of COVID and lockdowns. A case of a good idea and poor timing.
Initial Idea to Now.
This was an exciting journey originating from a simple idea back in 2015, when I drew a simple smiling face on a folded sheet of A4 paper and wrote “Happy to Share” on it.
Original Card Design
Replicate This Idea.
If you would like to replicate this idea, please do. This post gives you permission to copy the idea and even the design style. I do ask that you add a credit to: Caron Sprake/Caron Cares, and Recovery Devon.
Loneliness
The Silver Line helpline was established to support lonely older people. (Read my post here.) It’s widely understood that loneliness is detrimental to our mental and physical health. Social interaction is essential for people to feel happy and well. Humans are social beings, yet society is less interactive at a human level. COVID lockdowns and enforced isolation made the situation worse. Loneliness has significant negative impacts on both physical and mental health.
It has been proven to increase the risk of;
- Heart Disease,
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Worsened depression and anxiety
- Lower self-esteem
- It can reduce cognitive function
- Lower the immune system.
Minister for Loneliness.
In the UK, the health impacts of long-term loneliness have prompted the Government to appoint a Minister for Loneliness. Stuart Andrew has the task of addressing loneliness as a public health issue and driving action across government.
Research shows:
- More than 9 million people always or often feel lonely
- Around 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month
- up to 85% of young disabled adults – 18-34 year olds – feel lonely
Read the full Government report.
