Whilst many people experience loneliness at some point in their lives, for the majority the feeling passes, yet for some people, living with loneliness can become a chronic issue, which may negatively impact their quality of life.
At CISWO we recognise that loneliness and social isolation are increasingly important issues for many of our beneficiaries living in former coalmining communities where the impact of coal closures has already contributed to a sense of loss of community, identity and purpose.
Our Thornycroft Centre in Pontefract works to combat social isolation through providing supportive environment to socialise, make connections and take part in a wide programme of recreational, educational and social activities.
Our Thornycroft Centre in Pontefract works to combat social isolation through providing supportive environment to socialise, make connections and take part in a wide programme of recreational, educational and social activities.
About the centre
With a growing membership of over 270 attendees, the centre is open five days a week providing daily activities including games, quizzes, arts and crafts, gentle exercise classes such as armchair pilates, a gardening club, informative and educational talks, themed events, and day trips to local venues. Members can also enjoy a hot meal during their visit, prepared by our experienced on-site chef.
What the centre means to our members
Thornycroft member Doreen has been visiting the centre for 30 years:
I have been visiting the centre for 30 years! I can have a day out without troubling family. I enjoy meeting new people and making friendships. I feel valued and safe to come and it helps me to keep my independence.
Member Maureen told us what being able to attend the Thornycroft Centre meant to her:
Without Thornycroft I would be at home alone. I wouldn’t see a soul. Coming to the centre gets me out of the house and meeting lovely people. A fabulous day out, good snap and lovely people.
The Thornycrpft centre is easily accessible by public transport and has free accessible parking for members. As part of our service delivery, we also provide door to door transport to enable those in need to access the centre from surrounding local areas.
Our door-to-door minibus service
Member Stephen told us how the door to door minibus service means that he can attend the centre:
I don’t have the confidence to go out on my own, without the Thornycroft minibus I would not venture out much. I’ve also been on two trips and there is no way that I would have done this on my own. Thornycroft has made me feel safe and part of a community – a sense of belonging. It gets me out socialising and the staff are great. I have made new friends and enjoy the facilities and activities on offer.
Making friendships
Member Sandra B told us how visiting Thornycroft has helped her to make new friendships:
Thornycroft has helped me socialise with people and feel better in myself. I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for Thornycroft. I look forward to coming and have upped my days to two, I’ve made new friends and enjoy the bus service as transport isn’t very good in my area
Finding comfort
Member Sandra S found comfort at the Centre following the sad loss of her husband:
Thornycroft is wonderful, it has brought me out of myself, as since losing my husband I was really lonely. Thornycroft is a lifeline.
If you would like to find out more about Thornycroft or about any of CISWO’s support services for former coal miners and their dependent families, please contact our team.