New Porchlight scheme for Margate aimed at preventing loneliness

The scheme aims to help people who feel isolated

What can be done to reach out to lonely and isolated people in Margate and Cliftonville?

That’s the question being posed to residents by homelessness charity Porchlight.

It is seeking their views for Space to Connect – a scheme to bring people together by breathing new life into underused spaces in Margate Central and Cliftonville West.

Residents are invited to come and share their ideas with Porchlight at Margate Caves on Monday, February 10 at midday.

They can also share their ideas by emailing [email protected]

Porchlight spokesperson Chris Thomas said: “With so many people feeling lonely and isolated, creating more community spaces which can help bring them together is really important.

“Big changes in life such as losing a job or the death of a loved one can make people feel alone. From there, it’s easy for them to become more isolated.

“By providing places they can go to meet others, we can help them feel like part of the community again. We’ve seen the benefits community spaces bring to other areas and want to do the same here.”

Feeling isolated from others can affect mental health and make other problems, such as debt or housing issues, more difficult to deal with. In the worst cases, things can get out of hand and lead to homelessness.

Chris added: “Ultimately, this is about making sure there’s a safety net – made up of people from the community – to be there if you’re going through a difficult time.”

The first 50 people to arrive at the Spaces to Connect meeting will get free access to the caves.

Anybody feeling cut off from others and in need of support can go to porchlight.org.uk or call 0800 567 7699

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