Cornish charities celebrate united effort to tackle loneliness across the county
Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity has celebrated the impact of seven Cornwall-based charities working to reduce isolation and loneliness at a special networking event held last week.
As the lead charity for the region, Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity secured £267,320 over two years to strengthen support networks across Cornwall. The funding has enabled a wide range of community projects - from Penzance to Bude - all working toward a shared ambition: ensuring no one feels alone at a time when they most need support.
Seven Charities, One Mission
Each funded organisation has played a critical role in supporting people through different stages of life and with varied needs:
- The Nature Connections Programme at the Eden Project – improving wellbeing through engagement with the natural environment.
- First light - providing specialist support for people affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence, working with GP surgeries countywide.
- Home start Kernow - strengthening families with young children through practical and emotional support for parents with additional needs.
- St Petrocs - supporting people experiencing homelessness, helping them rebuild stability and connection.
- Penlee Family Centre - offering supportive sessions for mothers in the ‘fourth trimester’ to help build meaningful social connections.
- Exercising for Mobility (Bude) - helping older people maintain strength, independence and social contact.
- Pengarth Community Buddy Scheme - supporting older and more vulnerable adults to join community activities that reduce isolation.
Collaboration at the Heart of the Event
The event brought together NHS colleagues, local authority representatives, academics, corporate partners and community organisations dedicated to improving wellbeing across Cornwall. The diverse mix of attendees encouraged the exchange of ideas, strengthened partnerships and underscored the power of collaborative action.
A panel discussion chaired by Geraint Richards, High Sheriff of Cornwall, explored how loneliness affects health outcomes, community resilience and the long-term sustainability of NHS services. The conversation sparked thoughtful contributions from the audience, demonstrating the shared commitment across sectors to address the growing crisis of isolation.
Richards reflected on the day:
"Social isolation and loneliness is a huge issue here and a major contributory factor to poor physical and mental health, placing further pressure on the NHS. The presentations and discussions were wide-ranging, and although the scale of the problem was acknowledged, there was a very positive ‘can do’ atmosphere when it came to finding solutions. I left both informed and inspired.”
A recurring theme throughout the event was clear:
Loneliness is not only a social issue—it is a serious health risk. Yet alongside this stark reality was a sense of optimism as organisations demonstrated effective, locally rooted solutions already making a difference.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Continued Support
Many attendees expressed hope that this gathering would be the beginning of a wider movement for long-term change across Cornwall.
Reflecting on the programme, Karen Murrish, Fundraising Manager for Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, said:
“Working with these seven projects over the past year has been truly enriching. It has shown the power of collaboration across organisations… Being part of this journey has been a real honour, and the impact on beneficiaries speaks for itself through our series of short films.”
As the current funding stream concludes, the need it addressed remains as pressing as ever.
Cornwall continues to face rising levels of social isolation, particularly among older adults, young families, those living with long-term health conditions and people facing rural or economic disadvantage.
Without continued investment, many of the services highlighted at the event may be scaled back or lost entirely.
Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity is urging local leaders, policymakers, businesses and the wider community to continue championing organisations working to combat loneliness.
Sustained funding is essential not only to protect vulnerable people but also to strengthen community resilience and reduce long-term pressure on health and social care systems.
By working together—investing in local charities that understand Cornwall’s communities best—the county can ensure that no one is left to face loneliness alone.