York Cares throws party to help tackle lonliness

The charity York Cares has helped tackle loneliness in the area with a Shimmer and Shine Club party.

The event happened at the De Grey Rooms last Tuesday and featured an afternoon of singing, dancing and festive crafts as well as a festive buffet lunch, provided by the University of York.

This was thrown in a response to a 2020 national survey saying that 25.7% of York residents said they feel lonely either always, often or some of the time. The Shimmer and Shine Social Club aimed to reduce social loneliness and social isolation by bringing people together to enjoy a festive cheer.

The event was organised by York Cares volunteering project officers, Megan Wilkinson and Kali Klimentova, with the support of Alison Dawson who works as the social action program manager at The Belfry.