Lillan Faithful celebrates International Friendship Day
To mark the event the charity, which supports six care homes, is shining a light on their cycling project affiliated with the ‘Cycling without Age’ initiative.
The cycling programme was created to combat loneliness, a prolific issue for those over the age of 75. According to the most recent research from Age UK, more than 2 million people in England within the age bracket live alone and more than one million say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.
Cycle rides and care homes might not seem to go hand in hand, but thanks to the trishaw donated to Lilian Faithfull Care from Signal, residents from the care homes are able to rediscover the fun of a bike ride and enjoy time with a friend.
Olive, from Astell House said: ‘I felt like the Queen! It was wonderful! I saw bits of Cheltenham I’ve never seen before!’.
What’s more, the fun doesn’t just stop at residents – one member of staff said: ‘It is such a positive experience and it prompts all sorts of conversations and memories. I always come back from a ride having smiled the whole time!’.
As well as bike rides, the charity also offers adult day care at their Secret Garden Hub, where guests can go to socialise and make new friends in the local community. They offer many activities, including sing a longs, quizzes, painting and afternoon tea, along with lunches – in the past fish Friday’s have proven extremely popular.
Apparently, around 11% of children aged 10 to 15 years, said that they were ‘often’ lonely. A lot of the residents at Lilian Faithfull Care have had many years of experience dealing with friendships, and have provided some advice for the younger generation on how to develop, and keep friendships.
In addition to helping older adults this International Friendship Day, Lillan Faithful are also looking to assist children that often find themselves feeling isolated. Government data shows 11% of children aged 10 to 15 years, said that they were ‘often’ lonely.
Against this backdrop, elderly residents have grouped together to share their advice on how to develop and maintain friendships.
Advice includes:
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Remember special occasions
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Mix with other people
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Join a club
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Be supportive
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Always be polite and well mannered
Background to Lillan Faithful
Established in Cheltenham in 1946, Lilian Faithfull Care remains true to its founding principle of improving lives through dedicated care. The charity serves over 300 residents and day guests across six care homes and an adult day care hub, offering a range of services from day care to nursing, with expertise in dementia and end-of-life care.
In 2023, the ‘Home for Life’ pledge supported elderly residents’ fees to an impressive amount of £2.5 million. The charity’s commitment to efficient operations is evident in its allocation of resources, with 97p in every £1 spent going directly towards the day-to-day care of residents.
Images: Lillan Faithful
