South Swindon MP Robert Buckland and Swindon Seniors Forum are encouraging people to reach out for support and find new ways to stay in touch during lockdown to avoid loneliness.
Robert, who joined forces with Swindon Seniors Forum over two years ago in a local campaign to tackle the issue of loneliness explained:
“With the government advising us to stay at home, it is important that we adapt to how we connect with people now more than ever. We all need to keep up those strong social networks that act as a buffer to help protect us against poor mental health.
“Staying in touch via video calls, WhatsApp or normal phone calls is very important. For many, the telephone will be the easiest and most accessible way to keep in contact. Some of this technology might be new or difficult to use for some older people. I would urge family members, friends and neighbours to offer help and support to install and use apps where possible and within the social distancing guidelines.
“If you are not tech-savvy, you could even write letters to show someone you are thinking of them.”
According to a survey recently undertaken by the charity Mental Health Foundation, almost a quarter of adults living under lockdown have felt loneliness because of Coronavirus, meaning that feelings of loneliness have doubled during this time in the UK.
The most affected group were young people (aged 18-24 years) – with more than four in ten (44 per cent) saying they felt lonely, according to the research study.
The next most affected group were adults aged 25 – 34, with more than one third (35 per cent) saying they had felt loneliness as a result of Coronavirus.
One in six older people aged over 55 said they had felt lonely as a result of coronavirus, according to the study.
The survey data, from 2,221 UK adults aged 18 and over, were collected as part of a major UK-wide longitudinal research project called Coronavirus: Mental Health and the Pandemic.
Norma Thompson, Chair of Swindon Seniors Forum said: “All of us at some point or other during this Coronavirus pandemic will feel cut off from our loved ones, especially those who are shielding.
"Many older people who live alone rely on going out and about for social interaction and will no longer even be able to have a conversation with a shop assistant who serves them.
“There is help out there and we would encourage anyone in this situation to get in contact with Swindon Seniors Forum on 07828 446672 or email [email protected].
"We have many befriending services available locally and even though volunteers are unable to make visits at this time, they are still offering this service with phone calls and letter writing.
“If you’re feeling anxious or worried about Coronavirus the charity Mind have some great advice and guidance on their website. Find out how to make a difference in your local area using these tips from edencommunities.https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/communityaction-response
“Some of our members are without an iPad, or laptop technology needed to communicate with family, friends during isolation, We are also appealing to businesses with spare ones to donate them to Swindon Seniors Forum.”
Tips on how to tackle Loneliness during Coronavirus:
Arrange a cup of tea and a virtual catch up with someone you know.
Arrange to watch a film at the same time as a friend and video call, or even a regular phone call after the film to discuss it.
Send a text, email or a letter to a family member you have not heard from in a while.
Send an interesting or uplifting article, photograph or quote to a friend, family member or neighbour.
Call a work colleague to ask how they are finding the change in routine.
Write a letter to a local care home resident. Contact Care Home Volunteers to find out more on 07931 022824 or email [email protected]
If you are on Facebook, join the Swindon Supports Group organised by Councillor Tim Swinyard and stay connected with other local people. You can find out more by visiting https://www.facebook.com/groups/1129094494108068/
Help an elderly family member, friend or neighbour to make the most of technology at this time. Age UK has provided helpful information to help get an elderly family member online, use Skype, social media and watch TV online among other things. They also have a Digital Buddy scheme. For further information visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/getting-online/
If you are experiencing loneliness, be honest and reach out to a friend, family member or neighbour, you will not be alone in your feelings.
More information about Robert and Swindon Senior’s Forum’s local campaign to tackle loneliness can be found by visiting https://www.robertbuckland.co.uk/campaigns/campaign-end-loneliness-swindon
For further information or help to tackle loneliness please contact Robert by emailing [email protected] or ring 01793 533393 Please leave a message and a member of Robert’s team will be in touch.
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article