About Us
Hello, I’m Damien, the Founder of the Wolfpack Project.
For some time I’ve increasingly felt isolated and alone. I’ve ceased to make as many new friendships, and found for a number of reasons, older friendships have fallen by the wayside in the process.
I socialise less, grumble (more than usual) and feel a greater sense of dissatisfaction than ever before.
A famous movie quote springs to mind: “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
Like 9 million people in the UK, I’m increasingly experiencing loneliness and a sense of being unfulfilled.
Am I embarrassed to admit this? Yes, very much so … Though I, and millions of others, absolutely should not be!
We’re increasingly being lost to a world of noise cancelling headphones, iPhone’s and social media – We are communicating more than ever (digitally), yet forming less meaningful connections and distancing ourselves more from the people around us. In fact, research shows that whilst use of social media has significantly increased over the past 5-10 years, so has feelings of loneliness.
Here is our Vision & Mission for tackling some of the problems that loneliness creates ..
15
Loneliness, living alone and poor social connections are as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. (Holt-Lunstad, 2010)
29%
Loneliness is worse for you than obesity and is likely to increase your risk of death by 29%. (Holt-Lunstad, 2010)
3x
Lonely people are more likely to suffer from dementia, heart disease and depression. (Valtorta et al, 2016) (James et al, 2011) (Cacioppo et al, 2006)
9 million
More than nine million people in the UK say they always or often feel lonely (Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness)
1 in 4
1 in 4 students have mental healths problems (77% of which have depression, and 74% have anxiety) (YouGov)
3x
People aged 16-24 are three times more likely to feel lonely than those aged over 65 (Office of National Statistics)
Vision
For young people & adults to become better connected with the community around them; empowered to combat loneliness, broaden their support network and establish new friendships.
Mission
To identify, connect and empower isolated younger people & adults to take action in tackling loneliness. Providing a network of projects where individuals can access support, establish new friendships and form a wider support network
Buddy Scheme
The Wolfpack Project offers supportive, reliable connections through our Buddy Scheme, which helps people who would otherwise be socially isolated. The lived experience of our volunteer Buddies enables us to help the most lonely and isolated people in the area (as well as those who are simply having a tough time and want a chat every now and again!).
We will pair people up who with a Buddy who has similar interests, and with whom can join in Activities/Hobbies; such as going for Coffee or Walk, visiting the Cinema or even attending a Football match or Concert, for example.
The 1-2-1 support of our Buddy Scheme is always on hand; meaning we can help reduce the risk of isolation, help our people to access services & activities, and offer a friendly chat (that will always be in complete confidence)!
The peer-led support of our Buddy Scheme will help people to:
- build meaningful relationships with their supportive Buddy, who they can talk to in complete confidence;
- have the opportunity for personal development and the potential to increase their resilience and ability to cope with mental health problems;
- have access to activities and community resources which may have previously been out of reach.
- have fun and find a new direction in life
We would love to pair people up with our Buddies and make sure we’re all better connected, a part of something bigger and all have someone to turn to.
Join Us.
Join the Wolfpack
Whether you’re having a tough time and feel as though you need someone to be there for you, or you simply want someone to talk to every now and again, we’re there for you!
If you’re feeling lonely or are becoming isolated – Please get in touch. We want to help!
Support Us
You can make a direct donation to our Just Giving page. 100% of your donation will go towards supporting younger people & adults from experiencing feelings of loneliness!
You can choose to support us via your Amazon purchase. Amazon Smile allows The Wolfpack Project to receive 0.5% on all purchases as a donation directly from Amazon.
When you use easyfundraising to shop with any of our 4,000 retailers, the retailer makes a small donation to the Wolfpack Project to say thank you and we send those free funds to your cause.
If you’re a business who would like to partner with us, gain exposure with us or sponsor the work we’re doing whilst satisfying your CSR (corporate social responsibility) – We’d love to hear from you.
Please get in touch with Damien Reynolds at damien@thewolfpackproject.org.
