Covid-19 lockdowns between March 2020 and the start of 2021 have made it harder for people to maintain their social connections.
On this page we have some information and ideas for how we can all combat social isolation and look out for each other during the spread of the virus. We’ll also link to the latest guidance and advice from government, charities and experts on how to stay safe and healthy during the outbreak.
For many people there have been tough, but necessary period of social isolation. Many of us miss seeing family and friends and taking part in our usual hobbies, interests and activities.
It shows how important friendship and connection are in our lives, and how difficult it can be when they’re missing. This reminds us that for too many people their lives are often quite a lot like this.
During the Coronavirus outbreak it’s especially important we stay in touch with people who are alone.
Lessons From Lockdown
Our Lessons from Lockdown: Loneliness in the time of Covid-19 report (February 2021) summarises the experiences and knowledge of hundreds of organisations with experience of working on loneliness and isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It explores how organisations across the UK responded to loneliness in the context of the pandemic. It also provides important insights and information for others to share as we all adjust to a new normal.
Some insights into best practice and advice are shared in the videos below:
People Most at Risk
Bridging the Digital Divide
Supporting Volunteers
Loneliness In Practice
Staying in touch
Making sure that you stay in touch with friends, family and neighbours can help to ease any feelings of loneliness you and others may experience while in isolation. Technology can help with this enormously.
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Call your friends, colleagues and relatives regularly on the phone and see how they are.
- Create WhatsApp groups with neighbours, family or friends. Share how you’re getting on and ask other people how they are.
- Use Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date and keep in touch.
- Offer to help with shopping or running errands. You could use an app like Nextdoor to see if your neighbours need assistance. If you’re worried about transmitting the virus you can leave the bags on the doorstep.
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 friends and family. Offer help and support to install and use apps.
When using social media be mindful that this may be a frightening and isolating time for many. Be kind. Offer help and advice where you can. Try not to spread unfounded rumours that may cause upset or panic.
Technology can’t replace the feeling of communicating in person, but there are ways of staying connected in isolation that can help.
For many of us this will be a difficult time. Isolation measures are to protect as many people from the worst effects of coronavirus and this will be temporary. If we make the effort to stay connected, we can make a big difference to people who are feeling alone at this time.
Further links
Stay up to date with the latest health guidance on the NHS website.
The NHS has a range of contacts for mental health support charities. You can also access NHS advice about tackling loneliness here.
Age UK have a really helpful list of frequently asked questions designed for older people who are worried about Coronavirus.
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 Eden Communities.
If you are a young person who feels lonely, or you are a parent or guardian concerned about a young person or child showing signs of loneliness you can find useful resources from British Red Cross, Young Minds and Childline.
This article has had 14 comments
I’m spreading the word!
This is very interesting and helpful. I will keep praying for you. Best wishes from Lithuania.
As founder of TimeBanking, we are urging TimeBanks around the world to enlist TimeBank members to reach out and to help in coping with and preventing social isolation. I am grateful for the pioneering work you are doing. And we will share your suggestions throughout our networks. In Kent, Ohio, every TimeBank member with a dog takes a turn walking their dog by a nursing home or eldercare development so the dog can wave its tail to elders looking out the window. (don’t think that is yet included in economists’ measurement of GDP!)
This is what the Barnsley Men’s Shed and the She Shed Association are doing in Barnsley and Sheffield. Because we are closed, our volunteers are calling all registered Shedders at least once a week to have a chat and to find out whether they need practical help, which some of our volunteers can help with.
So, yes, loneliness is bad for your health. Join the SHEDS! A chat is better than a pill.
For information, check out http://www.thebarnsleymensshed.org and http://www.sheshed.org.uk
very nice and heart touching…………
Hi
I am interested in helping out voluntary in phone calls and customer services for those who are needing phone calls. I am also a free lance writer and will be happy to write about covid from a support and community perspective and how we are coping in our communities and the positives also of what we are doing to help others
Hi
I work as a mental health professional and with older adults who are vulnerable and feeling socially isolated at this difficult time and I wondered if Independent Age offer any online support groups for people to be able to connect to other isolated people?
Please let me know
Many thanks
Limor Vaknin
limor.vaknin@sabp.nhs.uk
I am finding isolation at hard to bear I am a widower
but I have my dog for company.
The Barnsley Men’s Shed and the She Shed have paused the woodwork and arts and craft workshops, but our volunteers and coordinators are in touch with the Shedders by telephone on a regular basis, to maintain the camaraderie that the Sheds have created.
The Barnsley Men’s Shed and the She Shed have paused their woodwork and arts and craft workshops at the Worsbrough Park Depot and Pavilion, but our coordinators and volunteers are in constant touch with the Shedders by telephone, to make sure that the sense of camaraderie carries on and the Shedders feel less isolated.
We are hoping to be able to set up livestreaming for our workshops, so watch this space! check out the website and our Facebook page for updates.
I only went back to work 6th January 2020 after 14 months off due to a full hip replacement following an accident in work . So I was feeling isolated for the whole time I was off . I’ve been furloughed since 17th March and may be back in work in August . You could say nothing has changed for me
It is good to know there are kind people out there
We will not offer you any kind of counselling, no advice as to do that or do this. We will just talk to you to make you feel better. It is free. write us: givinghand7@gmail.com or send a message: https://facebook.com/activelistening2020/
Loneliness is like a vitamin deficiency – it undermines all aspects of your health and happiness. Like a vitamin deficiency it needs supplements of the vitamin to correct it. What’s the vitamin? It’s love, kindness, caring, thoughtfulness, empathy, going the extra mile, sometimes being selfless, sometimes being sacrificial. We all have these instincts inside us but events can conspire to keep them hidden. Let them be on show this Christmas.
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