Adam Afriyie, the MP for Windsor, has congratulated the charity Men’s Matters for the work they do to help tackle social isolation amongst older men. Last month, this charity won the Team of the Year Award at the RBWM Voluntary Sector Awards.

Men’s Matters groups tackle social isolation in men over the age of 50 and offer members the chance to learn new skills, gain confidence, and meet new people. The group runs weekly programmes including cooking courses, BBQs, art, social media training and more.

It was set up in September 2015, after being initiated by Radian Housing Association. They now partner with Radian, Workers Education Trust, Aviva, RBWM, and the Louis Baylis Charitable Trust. Their Patron is Sir Michael Parkinson.

The MP for the Windsor constituency, Adam Afriyie welcomed their work:

“It was great to visit Men’s Matters this morning and learn about their excellent work locally based at All Saints Church Dedworth

“To be frank, we men are not great at talking at the best of times, so I am tremendously thankful to charities such as Men’s Matters for all the work that they do to assist older men who may be living alone of feeling isolated.

“There’s no silver bullet to solve the challenge of social isolation. But I am delighted that a range of measures can be delivered effectively by the voluntary sector, local community groups and charities like Men’s Matters.

“It was good to chat to those involved and it strikes me that in a digitally connected society in which we communicate online, we must spare a thought for those less well connected and involved

ENDS

Note to editors

1.    Adam Afriyie is the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Ghana.

2.    He has a strong background in science, technology and innovation.

3.    He is currently Chairman of the Fintech APPG, Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and President of the Conservative Technology Forum (CTF).

4.    He was shadow Minister for Science from 2007-2010 and has a background in the information services and technology sector.

5.    To find out more about Men’s Matters, please visit their website here.