Loneliness support in Faversham
Published
Wednesday 4 June, 2025
Updated
Wednesday 4 June, 2025
People struggling with loneliness or the cost of living crisis can get crucial support and advice at an event in Faversham.
Swale Borough Council is hosting a loneliness awareness themed One Swale roadshow - on 10 June in Faversham – as part of Loneliness Awareness Week (9 - 15 June).
The week, hosted by Marmalade Trust, is an opportunity to raise awareness of loneliness and empower people to make connections.
This year's theme aims to reduce the stigma around this natural human emotion.
Charities and organisations will all be under one roof, ready to help, at the Faversham Salvation Army, 4 Court St, Faversham ME13 7AW from 9:30 to 11:30.
There will also be a chatty bench, which is designed to start conversations and get people talking to each other.
Simply sitting on the bench will signal you want to have a chat.
The organisations on hand to help with combating loneliness and other issues are:
- Citizens Advice Swale
- Cocaine Anonymous
- Faversham Community Networking Group (Chatty Bench - outside)
- KCC Household Support Team/Financial Hardship Team
- Kent Fire Rescue Service
- Kent Police
- No Place Like Home
- The Harmony Therapy Trust
- Vibe Youth Brogdale
- Wave Community Bank
- We Are With You
- West Faversham Community Centre
These charities and other organisations will be offering support with people’s health and wellbeing, drug abuse, social care, and financial hardship.
They can also provide things like fuel vouchers, warm packs, bill discounts and employment and training opportunities.
The council’s roadshows have helped more than 3,500 people so far with things like food and fuel vouchers, water bill reductions and health check-ups, and offered them advice on issues such as home safety, energy use, health and debt.
Cllr Hannah Perkin, chair of the Housing, Health and Communities Committee, said:
“Everyone feels lonely from time to time, because it is a natural human emotion. This is a key message of this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week, which aims to break down the stigma and help people speak openly about how they are feeling.
“While feeling lonely is normal, it can lead to negative impacts on our mental and physical health. That’s why events like these are a great way to bring people together and realise they aren’t so alone after all!
“Our monthly roadshows also help people with things like health concerns and the cost of living, and all of this and much more will be available on the day.
“If you need some support or advice please come down to the roadshow in Faversham, where we'll be on hand to offer the support you need.”
The council worked with the Swale CVS and Faversham Community Networking Group to organise these roadshows, which are funded by the Government’s Household Support Fund.
