The Compassion Project: A case for hope & humankindness from the town that beat loneliness

by Julian Abel, Lindsay Clarke

The true story of the town that beat loneliness

Frome in Somerset, UK has seen a dramatic fall in emergency hospital admissions since it began a collective project to combat isolation. While emergency admissions to hospitals across Somerset have increased by 29%, incurring a 21% increase in costs, Frome has seen admissions fall by 17%, with a 21% reduction in costs.

Society has developed in such a way to facilitate a drastic malnourishment of community, connection and compassion. This book sets out the case for the effective restoration of the active power of compassion as a widely available, fundamental force for good in all aspects of human life. In the process, it draws attention to research which demonstrates that an innate capacity and need for compassionate behavior is closely woven into the fabric of our bodies.

But this is also a book with stories to tell - the stories of how, by harnessing the power of compassion in the lives of real men and women, the small English town of Frome has opened up a new approach to the practice of medicine which has improved individual health and welfare while at the same time enhancing the vitality of the whole community. The effects of this approach have proved so beneficial that it has attracted international attention and is now transforming perspectives on issues of healthcare and social welfare across the world.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Philip Horspool · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend told me about this book and then he sent it to me in the post. I think the same friend recommended The Spirit Level, a book that if it didnt change my life, made so many of my beliefs more understandable. He told me it wasnt a great read but that it is a book everyone should read. As a cohesive liece of text he is right, it's a bit all over the place but in terms of content, it is a must read. Compassion is the key, it's that coupled with a belief that a system based on inequality helps no-one that i think ive been arguing ( but without the evidence) for all my adult years. What better feeling is there than helping someone else or helping them to help themselves? That is what should be taught in schools. So many will suffer a serious illness sooner or later, who teaches us how to cope with that? The book could be described as 'idealistic' but it is littered with concrete examples of the strength of clmpassion at local, national and even international level. The system is broken, no amount of tinkering will alter that fact - we need a radical change in our thinking. This book offers steps in the right direction. Think not only what you can do for yourself but also what you can do for others.

[Deepak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of common sense that should be practiced everywhere...

[Joanne Mcleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspiring and hopeful book. If only we can all take to heart the examples provided by Frome, England. An important lesson is that communities can be formed from the example of a few caring and compassionate individuals. This community is a living example of the ripple effect of kindness and caring for others that can get set into motion.

This book could not have come at a better time. The social distancing of pandemic makes it even more apparent our intrinsic need for compassion and connection, and the ever more visible destructive forces if we try to challenge life without these necessary, positive, and connecting elements.

[Louise Bath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm awarding this book 5 stars purely because of the thinking behind The Compassion Project, its aims, and its accomplishments. I also love the town of Frome (to the extent that I'm moving there, in fact). However, I struggled with this book because it's written in a style that I found obtuse, saying things in a lot of words without saying anything I could actually make sense of: it was like trying to nail jelly to a wall. Maybe I'm just not in the right frame of mind atm, and I'll give it another go another time.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure that I've got the power to implement a city-wide approach to compassion, but this book brings home the difference an individual can make with small acts of compassion as well. Very inspiring and brings hope.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly great vision of what it could mean to live as a compassionate community. Bit hard to read at times as it felt like it was presented more academically than for the average reader, but well worth the read.

[Alberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got a lot of hype for a lot of stuff I already knew.

[Jonny Hosking · Rating 3 out of 5]

didn't finish but some great ideas albeit told repeatedly. long way to go for the NHS but a welcomed step forward.