Dear LPG

Lewisham is definitely a well-established London Borough, but I am not sure what kind of community we are.   

There are many communities within our little bit of the world and it is my hope that each and every one of us belongs to a few of them, but I suspect that there are some of us that have lost the advantages of being part of a community. 

The fact that there are more and more people living alone in this world can be supported by many sets of statistics, and I know that many of those people would describe themselves as really happy that way, quite content, or having at least become resigned to the fact, and it is common knowledge that a large proportion of those people are elderly.

It has been said many times in the past but, in my opinion, cannot be said too many times. So I will say it again; there is a marked difference between living alone and being lonely, even though circumstances can force us to find ourselves living alone quite suddenly sometimes.

I appeal to everyone to become part of a community, even if getting out of the house feels as if it has become a real chore and something that takes more and more effort.  If you are unable to leave your home for whatever reason, welcome the people that visit and invite them in.  Use the telephone to its full advantage and phone your friends to keep up with what is going on in their lives and, even if you have to use your diary, make an entry and stay in contact with each other.  If you have recently moved, knock on the doors of the neighbours and introduce yourself, even if you need to use the age old excuse of taking a cup and asking for some sugar.  In addition, if you have to move into sheltered accommodation make sure to find out about what is organised for all the residents, however hard it is to make yourself known at the resident’s meeting the first time, be in attendance until you get to know your neighbours, and find your niche in your community.  While you can, be there for them because there may come a time when you really appreciate them being there for you.   If you have a computer there are so many virtual communities that you can become a part of, so please don’t write off Facebook just yet.

It is a fact that without the people in them communities would not exist!

EH, Crofton Park.

LPG has found a little online information that may be relevant

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