Volunteers spread a little festive cheer for the lonely
Written by Luke Brown, Community Project Manager
Recent research* shows that COVID-19 has exacerbated loneliness, with three key headlines:
People who felt most lonely prior to Covid in the UK now have even higher levels of loneliness. This increase began as physical distancing and lockdown measures were introduced in the UK, in March 2020.
Adults most at risk of being lonely, and increasingly so over this period, have one or more of the following characteristics: they are young, living alone, on low incomes, out of work and, or with a mental health condition.
The impact on wellbeing from people at risk of loneliness is likely to be compounded by other economic and social impacts experienced by the same people, such as those experiencing job losses and health anxieties.
During a “normal” year, Christmas can be an especially lonely time for many people. Amid a pandemic involving lockdowns and limited social contact, their experiences of loneliness and isolation are understandably more profound.
Spreading some cheer
For this reason, we wanted to foster a sense of community and show vulnerable residents in Islington that people were thinking about them. Having successfully facilitated letter writing sessions over Zoom during the summer, we decided to add a festive twist! This time asking volunteers to write Christmas cards and letters to vulnerable residents who are isolated or experiencing feelings of loneliness.
We partnered with two local organisations who distributed the cards and letters to their communities:
The food hub at Hanley Crouch Community Association who provide food parcels to vulnerable members of the local community.
Manor Gardens’ Friendship Network, a befriending project for older people experiencing loneliness and isolation.
In all, 64 volunteers from 7 of our business partners took part in the sessions. We encouraged volunteers to get as creative as possible and include pictures, drawings, and recipes to bring their cards to life. We even had a few little helpers, with children of some of the volunteers getting involved!
Vanessa Freeman from Hanley Crouch Community Association’s food hub said:
The cards from volunteers were a wonderful idea and were well needed, as so many felt lonely and isolated […] they brought so much encouragement to our community at Brickworks.
One volunteer said:
I love writing and sending cards to family & friends so thought this would be a good opportunity to give back to the community. I found the experience to be really therapeutic and it was nice to slow down and reflect in that moment. It’s important to remember those that are feeling isolated and lonely particularly during these uncertain times. This small act will hopefully brighten someone else’s day.
A huge thank you to Hanley Crouch and Manor Gardens for distributing the cards and letters, and to all of our volunteers from Euromonitor International, Expedia Group, Incubeta, Macquarie, MUFG, NHS Property Services, NMPi, and Vita Coco.
* How has Covid and associated lockdown measures affected loneliness in the UK? What Works
Wellbeing in partnership with UCL. 2020.