Let’s talk about loneliness – backing a charity that is making a difference

It's hard being lonely and sometimes almost as hard to admit it - two things that a remarkable Bristol charity is committed to changing.

Marmalade Trust focuses on finding isolated and lonely people and helping them reconnect with society, something that Wards Solicitors is dedicated to supporting whenever possible.

That's why we picked Marmalade Trust for our chosen charity when taking part in the first ever Bristol Giving Day, organised by the Quartet Community Foundation to inspire an extra surge of fundraising for local causes across the city.

'Tremendously positive'

Staff across all our 11 offices paid £2 each to join in a 'dress down day' raising a total of £422 for Marmalade Trust which among other things organises a special Christmas Day lunch for lonely and isolated people, many of them elderly, so they do not have to spend the day alone.

Partner Jenny Pierce, head of our Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team, said: "In our line of work, we often meet people who sadly feel all alone in the world. Knowing there is a charity like Marmalade Trust which we can tell them about and which can make such a difference to them, feels tremendously positive."

Tackling stigma

Marmalade Trust, a predominantly volunteer-led organisation, is probably best known for its 'Christmas Cheer' lunches held on Christmas Day throughout Bristol and the wider region.

It also launched the UK's first ever Loneliness Awareness Week in 2017 and provides support to its members to help them participate in activities in their local community and create opportunities to find friendship.

Its key aims are to tackle the stigma around loneliness, recognise that it affects all ages and encourage people to talk about it positively as something that is fixable.

Natalie Wheeler, Marmalade Trust's project manager, says: "We are incredibly grateful to Wards Solicitors for raising funds for us as part of Bristol Giving Day. The money raised will help us to continue our work to reach and support as many people as possible who are lonely and isolated, to help them feel better connected and lead more fulfilling lives."