From Policy to Practice: Tackling Loneliness through a Public Health Lens

The UK government's landmark 2018 strategy, "A Connected Society," highlighted a sobering truth: loneliness is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In Medway, our elderly residents are particularly vulnerable, especially when recovering from hospital stays without a robust support network.

You Matter Community Project CIC was established to turn this national policy into local action. We don't just provide "activities" — we provide Public Health interventions.

Why Our Approach Works:

Professional Foundation: With 28 years in frontline social services, we understand the complexities of the care system.

Academic Rigour: Our programs are shaped by Master’s-level research in Global Public Health, ensuring our methods are effective and safe.

Community Integration: By acting as a Food Bank Referral Agency and hosting weekly Saturday sessions, we create "empowering pathways" that move residents from isolation back into active community participation.

We are committed to helping Medway become a more connected, resilient, and healthy place for our older generation.

Strategic Impact &

Professional Leadership

You Matter Community Project CIC operates at the intersection of public health and community care. We provide an evidence-based bridge between clinical discharge and sustainable community reintegration.

Our Leadership

The project is directed by a specialist with over 28 years of experience in Adult Social Services and an MSc in Global Public Health. This ensures that every activity we host is designed with professional safeguarding, clinical awareness, and public health outcomes in mind.

Why Our Model Works

Our approach is aligned with the UK Government’s "A Connected Society" strategy, focusing on three critical pillars of health:

• Hospital to Home Transition: We provide the "social glue" that prevents readmission by ensuring elderly residents have access to nutrition, companionship, and support during the fragile weeks following a hospital stay.

  
  

• Social Infrastructure: By utilising local assets like the Parish Church of St Stephen, we create a "Third Space" that fosters social connectedness and reduces the burden on primary care.

  
  

• Addressing Social Determinants: We recognise that health is built in the community. Our food bank and social connection initiatives directly combat the poverty and isolation that lead to poor health outcomes.