Help a Lonely person

Recent news reports have focused on loneliness as being a real issue and of course one which has been exacerbated by the Covid19 pandemic.   Indeed loneliness is being referred to as a “social epidemic”.  It doesn't discriminate either - it affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds - from the school child who struggles to make friends, to the new parent coping alone, to the older person who has outlived friends and immediate family.   The late Jo Cox, MP, was passionate about helping the dispossessed and the lonely and she commissioned a report into loneliness which concluded:

• Over 9 million adults are often or always lonely

• Loneliness is said to be deadlier than obesity or smoking 15 cigarettes a day

• Three-quarters of GPs say they see up to five patients every day who are lonely

• Loneliness is estimated to cost employers £2.5bn every year

Jo Cox’ report was a call to action from government, civic leaders, business leaders and community leaders.   Arden Community Group recognise's that loneliness is a problem and particularly more so now with current restrictions and Christmas approaching.  

 

With restrictions changing according to movement between tiers, it might be helpful to know exactly what restrictions there are.   This Government website explains the restrictions for all tier levels - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know

 

So what can we do?

 

We would like to build a database of people willing to help out when someone is feeling lonely.    Help can come in many forms and, of course, will vary dependent upon restrictions.   Examples might include:

 

• Simply start a conversation on the street, at the bus stop

• Knock on their door for a friendly, socially distanced, front garden chat

• Drop a letter or note through the door with a contact number should they need help or a friendly chat

• Children could post homemade artwork or cards just letting them know they are thought of

• Become a Pen Pal

• Invite them round for dinner with the family

• Invite them out for a tea or coffee

 

To register your support as a volunteer, please fill in the form.  We believe that as well as a lonely person benefitting from this initiative that volunteers will too. 

 

If you know someone who would benefit from a friendly chat and they are happy to be recommended, please contact us Here

 

If you yourself are struggling with loneliness and would like some support, please get in touch Here

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