Watford’s local YMCA has launched a campaign to help tackle loneliness across Hertfordshire. This is the first campaign of its kind for One YMCA and it aims to raise both awareness and funds towards its crucial community work.

Parallel to the coronavirus pandemic, a crisis of loneliness has arisen. Some support services have stopped, clubs and societies have closed, and people are left lacking the normal routines and social engagements that are so important for mental and emotional wellbeing.

In 2019/20, One YMCA supported more than 135,000 people to belong, contribute and thrive in the community. As it works with some of Hertfordshire’s most vulnerable people, YMCA recognises the need to continue its community-critical services wherever possible.

“There is a fine balance between conserving physical and mental health,” said Supporter Engagement Officer, Grace Harper. “The lockdowns have meant some people are lonelier than ever, so we can’t just abandon people. This has meant we have taken a lot of our services online, such as youth work sessions, in addition to having regular phone contact with particularly vulnerable service users.”

Across Herts and Bucks, One YMCA have supported accommodation units to provide safe and secure night’s sleep for up to 453 vulnerable individuals. In the lead-up to Christmas, the Chaplaincy service still hope to run activities and a socially distanced Christmas meal, so that residents maintain the feeling of belonging and companionship.

Hostel Chaplain Chris Moffat said: “We believe that supporting our residents’ mental health during this challenging time is of paramount importance. While creating a Covid-secure environment to protect people’s physical health, we are working in many ways to combat loneliness in our hostels including tailored one to one support, regular phone calls and therapeutic group activities.”

One YMCA is providing wellbeing packs for hostel residents across Hertfordshire and activity packs for local families. To find out more and get involved, visit: oneymca.org/loneliness

About One YMCA

One YMCA supports people across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire through a range of crucial services across multiple communities.

It is proud of its diversity and work with all ages, faiths and backgrounds, as part of a global network of 14,000 YMCAs, celebrating 175 years of life-changing work.

Inspired by, and faithful to, its Christian values, it creates supportive and energising communities that are open to all, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.