ABOUT US
The Eastern Devon Loneliness and Social Isolation Partnership Group is a diverse collaboration of experts and stakeholders from various disciplines and sectors. Our primary focus is to share knowledge and develop strategic plans aimed at addressing loneliness and social isolation, with an emphasis on prevention.
By pooling our expertise and resources, we create innovative solutions and effective interventions. Through regular meetings and initiatives, we identify best practices and challenges while fostering a collective commitment to enhancing social health. Together, we aim to build stronger, more-connected communities where social isolation is minimised and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
VISION
The vision of the group is to help create the conditions for good social health across the Eastern Local Care Partnership (ELCP) by taking a strategic, system-wide approach to tackling loneliness. We are particularly interested in resourcing communities to establish a culture of connectivity in their place.
PARTNERSHIP CHAIRS
Matt Smith
Co-Chair, Director of The Community Waffle House CICMatt Smith
With a background in language studies and early involvement in community work, it was almost inevitable for Matt to develop a passion for meaningful conversations and their role in building healthy communities. Over the past six years, he has been instrumental in setting up and running The Community Waffle House CIC, an initiative focused on creatively addressing the increasing disconnect at societal, structural, and personal levels.
Jeff Chinnock
Associate Director of Partnerships at the RDUHJeff Chinnock
Jeff brings over 15 years of experience at the RDUH in communications, engagement, and community development. Prior to joining RDUH, Jeff worked in regional government and the international development sector with NGOs and government agencies. He also serves as a Town Councilor in Totnes
OUR PRIORITIES
- Learning and prevention of loneliness:
We aim to gather insights on social health and loneliness prevention by exploring how organisations, both nationally and locally, are addressing these issues. By drawing from best practices, we seek to enhance the social health literacy of key stakeholders, empowering them to contribute more effectively to community wellbeing.
- Investigating inequalities and social isolation:
We are committed to understanding the link between inequalities and social isolation and loneliness, particularly the disproportionate impact on marginalised groups. This includes people from deprived areas, those with protected characteristics (especially people living with disabilities), other inclusion groups, and those in geographically-isolated communities.
- Resourcing communities for social health:
Our goal is to make a strong case for why, how, and where strategic investments should be made to support communities in building social health. By creating the right conditions, we aim to foster environments where social health can naturally thrive and where communities are empowered to flourish.
OUR WORK
The main focus of this group has been the development and launch of the Social Health Learning Project. This initiative brings together a diverse team from the voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSE), health, and academic sectors to gather insights from various sources, identifying the key factors that contribute to socially healthy communities.
The project’s goal is to use this broad learning, gathered from across the ELCP, to highlight what is already working well and build a strong case for targeted investment. This will ensure resources are used in the most effective and efficient way possible.
Additionally, we are inviting national organisations involved in social health initiatives to present their best practices, allowing us to draw on successful approaches from outside the region.
Common Purpose
What do we want to do?
Helping to creating the conditions that break patterns and triggers of loneliness and social isolation, and reduce their impact; normalising experience of, and reducing the stigma and shame around, loneliness and social isolation; increasing awareness of when people might be feeling isolated or lonely, and how this might be addressed across sectors; building a culture of connectivity and inclusiveness in communities, including between generations; and thinking differently about how we prevent loneliness and social isolation.
Why do we want to do it?
Because loneliness and social isolation are more widespread than people realise and can affect anyone; because the impact on mental and physical health can be devastating; because the triggers aren’t always obvious; and because we want to foster genuine, meaningful human connection.
What are the benefits going to include?
Greater awareness across communities of the extent and impact of loneliness and social isolation, of the triggers and phases, and of what can be done; more awareness of the support available; more social connections, including inter-generational ones; stronger and more resilient communities; statutory and voluntary sector services changing how they operate; and a positive effect on local economies and health inequalities
OUR MEETINGS
Our meetings are structured to encourage collaboration and meaningful exchange. Each session begins with a segment called “Why are you here?” where participants share their connection to addressing loneliness and social health, highlighting their personal or organisational involvement. Following this, we provide an update on the progress of the Social Health Learning Project (navigate to this link), keeping everyone informed on key developments and findings. A guest speaker then presents valuable insights or best practices from their own work in social health. The meeting wraps up with an open Q&A and discussion, fostering a space for participants to ask questions, share ideas, and deepen their collective understanding.
UPCOMING PLANS
- Complete Social Health Learning conversations
By December 2024, we aim to finalise the majority of our learning conversations as part of the Social Health Learning Project.
- Deliver “Summary of Learning” report
In February 2025, we will present a comprehensive summary of insights gathered from the Social Health Learning Project.
- Initiate a pilot project
Throughout 2025/26, we will scope, plan, and initiate a pilot project to explore and implement the recommendations from the “Summary of Learning” report.