Breaking Social Isolation Through Cooking and Calligraphy… Suwon Launches 'New Light Network' Program

Suwon Special City (Mayor Lee Jae-jun) is operating the 'New Light Network Program' to prevent middle-aged residents at risk of social isolation from overcoming hardship that could lead to deaths from loneliness.

The Suwon Social Enterprise Council, the program implementing organization, will conduct the program at the Eoulrim Center in Godeung-dong and Maesan-dong from the 28th through December 10th, dividing approximately 30 middle-aged residents at risk of social isolation into three groups.

The New Light Network supports middle-aged adults in their 50s and 60s whose social relationships are easily severed due to unemployment, retirement, or changes in family circumstances by providing activities that help form social connections.

The New Light Network program includes ▲'Social Dining,' where participants naturally build relationships by cooking and sharing meals together ▲'Calligraphy,' a creative activity using letters and drawings that helps with self-expression and recovery of self-esteem ▲Pre- and post-program psychological evaluations to assess participants' changes.

An official from Suwon City said, "Preventing social isolation is important by creating opportunities to communicate with neighbors and build relationships. We will support households at risk of isolation to connect with the local community and recover relationships in their daily lives."

Last year, Suwon City also operated five programs including psychological counseling, social dining, and crafts for 16 middle-aged residents at risk of isolation.