Winter challenge encourages people to connect and combat loneliness
People living across Norfolk and Suffolk are being encouraged to get involved in a project to combat loneliness and help stay connected with others over the winter months.
The Winter Connections Challenge was officially launched at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust's (NSFT) Annual General Meeting yesterday, Thursday 9 October 2025. The AGM, which took place at The Forum in Norwich, was supported by a marketplace showcasing the improvements the Trust has made over the past year.
The Recovery College is the team behind the Winter Connections Challenge, which invites members of the public to place a design on a postcard. The postcard can then be sent to someone they know who may feel isolated or lonely at this time of year - or someone they may want to connect with.
Recovery College Manager, Ash Moorcroft, explains why they want to encourage connection between people: "We know in Norfolk alone over 20 per cent of adults experience loneliness, and the research tells us this number might increase. Loneliness is a key factor in physical and emotional health and we want to play our part in tackling it.
"Connection is right at the heart of what makes us feel good about ourselves and our lives. When we have strong connections, we feel we belong, we feel supported, and we can celebrate the good times and look after one another in the tough times. When we don't have it, we struggle to thrive
"By sending a postcard, not only will we brighten someone's day when it lands on their doormat, but it lets them know we are thinking of them. A postcard feels different to a text message, it doesn't demand an answer, but it might be enough to spark a connection and give someone the opportunity to reach out if they need support. If we make time to nourish our connections, we build a strong foundation to support ourselves and others, through even the most difficult moments we face."
Anthony Deery, Chief Nurse, said: "Our Trust vision is to be safer, kinder and better and by taking part in this challenge, people will be demonstrating kindness; kindness that will help others feel safe and better about themselves. We all have a part to play in looking out for each other and this challenge gives us the opportunity to do that in an inspiring and creative way."
The Recovery College gave out postcard templates to members of the public at yesterday's AGM marketplace but blank postcards can also be picked up from Recovery College courses or by emailing the team at recoveryonline@nsft.nhs.uk
A £50 gift card is also being offered for the most inspirational design. Those who wish to enter the competition should email a photo of their design to recoveryonline@nsft.nhs.uk by 31December 2025. The winner will be announced on the Recovery College's Facebook page and on their webpage: www.nsft.nhs.uk/recoverycollege.
The Recovery College is for anyone aged over 16 and living in Norfolk and Suffolk who are looking to improve their mental health/wellbeing. This also includes carers, supporters and other professionals. They offer free courses both in-person and virtually, which are designed to help build skills and strategies to support your mental health or others. Every year the Recovery College connects with over 4000 people across Norfolk and Suffolk.