Words by Smiley Team
Loneliness is likely to impact us all at some stage of life, so we love finding projects and initiatives aiming to tackle this isolation.
For the members of Hackney, this comes in the form of Hackney Carers Centre's Brocals project – a multi-generational social club for men over the age of 50 to help them feel less alone.
There are 6.8 million men aged 60 and over living in the UK today, and this is projected to reach 9.6 million by 2030. Risk factors for social isolation after this age are high: they include living alone after divorce or bereavement, and mental health issues.
Hackney Brocals are local men, or ‘bros’, who go all out to conquer the curse of ‘broneliness’ in their communities.
(Read more about how men can build lives that they’re proud of)
Brocals aims to support the needs of older men through free minibus driver training and a programme of regular meet-ups, trips and activities. Older men are less likely than their female counterparts to have social contact with family members, and one in three older bros without a partner consider themselves to be socially isolated, and to feel lonely.
The Brocals Buddying System works to tackle such isolation and loneliness. Volunteer Befriending Bros are paired up with an Older Bro, who will visit him in his home, or out and about in the community. They provide essential companionship and support.
Additionally, Hackney Brocals can do arts activities at a wonderful grassroots community arts space in Hackney, called Wellspace.
One participant, Bernard, took part in a screenprinting session and screen printed his own #hackneybrocals t-shirt. Now, the social club wants to return to create totebags, sweatshirts and hoodies, forming the ultimate collection of brocals merchandise.
(Read more about this social enterprise tackling loneliness)
Other activities include creating poems, surreal artworks, collaging, book-binding and much more.
Previously, Hackney Bros mapped their memories using vintage maps found in charity shops, and shared stories of significant places and life events. All activities are designed to help boost self-esteem, assist with communication skills and develop new social bonds between 'the bros'.
You can make a donation to support the Hackney brocals on its website. They’re also looking for volunteers, and are recruiting for Transporter Bros – as a Transporter Bro, you'll support Brocals to get out into the community and to engage in monthly trips around and outside of London.
Find out more at brocals.org.
