It is often said that we are more connected than ever. That social media has helped people come together. But the great irony is that many older people still feel lonely.That loneliness in turn can have far reaching implications to a persons health and well being. In fact the impact on your health has been equated to the damage caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day EVERY day.
The Covid 19 epidemic saw draconian rules that kept people apart ostensibly to prevent the virus claiming more victims. With hindsight that wasn´t the reality. What was the reality was that many people,normally outward looking and sociable, found the walls of their lives closing in Forced to retreat from society and the necessary stimulation of interaction with others many turned to their tv´s and radios for human contact. A substitute of sorts but for many this had tragically become a new way of life.
Loneliness WAS and IS an epidemic and cannot simply be brushed under the carpet. Recent events have seen Loneliness teamed up with Isolation and it has been left to organisations like AGE CONCERN MARBELLA – SAN PEDRO to restore the balance Loneliness and Isolation have always been with us but Covid really did a number on a lot of people – especially the older members of our community. Happily there is a way back to normality.
AGE CONCERN not only care about people, they have a powerful goal to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to “live their best lives”. In plain terms to turn a negative into a positive and ensure that nobody needs to feel alone.
We want people to enjoy their lives with a sense of fun, social interaction and have the resources of Professional Advice and Practical Help behind them. This couldn´t have been achieved without the efforts of our incredible volunteers and generous supporters over the past 7 years. So, how have we managed to succeed when for others the task was too daunting?
With hard work and a unifying commitment to help others we now have an active nucleus of 4 local coffee mornings so that there is sure to be one close to you. Run by trained volunteers who ensure that “you are never alone” they offer a warm welcome to all where you can meet up with old friends and make NEW ones Clients can get free Welfare advice, help, support and most importantly Friendship. New bonds are regularly formed and even love-matches sealed with a kiss. If you believe that nothing is impossible then it must be possible!
AGE CONCERN also have a pro-active Social and Activity centre in San Pedro where a range of interests are catered for from “understanding technology” to “chair yoga” and much more in between.
We are a community based organisation which means that we work in AND with the community and don´t solely rely on clients coming to us – because many are unable to. Home visits and taking people to their medical appointments as well as a little
shopping if needed are all part of the service. Our current records show that we have helped some 600 plus people either with Professional Advice or Practical Help Our volunteers also work with 2 local Care Homes providing social interaction and have enlisted the help of various musicians to bring some entertainment into the lives of residents. But we know there is much more that needs to be done to ensure that all are given the opportunity to “live their best lives”.
The “cost of living” has affected many so AGE CONCERN have teamed up with a growing number of businesses in Marbella and San Pedro to provide clients with a range of discounts for their services. With discounts of up to 30% are available to members of the Scheme and anyone can benefit by joining for just 20 euros a year.
Incredible value thanks to our business partners (more details can be found on our website here). There is absolutely NO cost to join AGE CONCERN MARBELLA – SAN PEDRO.
Resting on our achievements is NOT an option because there is always more that needs to be done. That is why we launched our Hardship Fund. Dedicated to giving those in real need a HAND UP rather than a HAND OUT it is targeted at those individuals who need some temporary financial support on a “one-off” basis.
Practical help for such things as Passport renewal or a microwave. Every application is looked at on it´s own merits.
Applicants must be permanent residents of Marbella or San Pedro. They must be over 55 years “young” with a provable need and will be means tested so that those who really need help the most are supported. All this and more is only possible with volunteers who care and generous supporters. All our volunteers KNOW they make a real difference to the lives of others.
AGE CONCERN MARBELLA – SAN PEDRO cares, understands and gets things done. If the idea of finding out more appeals to you then please call or WhatsApp us without obligation weekdays from 10 am to 6.00 pm on 689 35 51 98 or contact us at info@ageconcernmarbella.com
