Reaching out in isolation
KENSINGTON COUNCIL MAKES 5,000 CALLS TO LONELY RESIDENTS
AS WE enter the ninth week of lockdown, we continue to hear stories of how different vulnerable groups are being disproportionately affected by coronavirus.
One of these vulnerable groups is elderly Londoners who are feeling the impacts of social isolation even more since lockdown has begun.
As part of its coronavirus response, Kensington and Chelsea Council has sought to support its lonely residents by calling them to check on their welfare. So far more than 5,650 phone calls have been made with 99.9 per cent of the calls being to residents over 60 years old.
Neighbourhood business support manager, Daniel Lewis received this feedback after a call with a vulnerable resident: “I was always independent before, however with this crisis I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for Daniel.
“He has helped with food and for someone to take my rubbish out; he has been wonderful and even contacted me over the weekend. It makes me feel good that someone cares and I’m very grateful.”
The calls are usually around housing issues, welfare and help with food.
However, while the majority of those contacted have not required any assistance, the most common request has been for officers to call back on a regular basis.
There are currently over 1.4 million chronically lonely people in England, and with the impact of lockdown, there’s no doubt the intensity of loneliness is being felt even more.
Kensington and Chelsea Council deputy leader Kim Taylor-Smith said: “Our welfare calls are checking in on those who most need our support, and it has been heartwarming to hear how appreciated they are.
“The biggest need we are finding is from people who feel isolated, so we have arranged to call nearly 800 of our residents every week or fortnight to check how they are and answer any questions.”
In addition to the calls, the borough is also encouraging residents to reach out to members of the community who do not have access to the internet. The campaign, called Online to Phoneline, allows these residents to stay informed about the support the council has on offer.
“The welfare calls have been a positive opportunity to support our residents,” Daniel said.
He added: “As I live in the borough and have done all my life, it makes me feel proud to know that I’m able to support people within my community and that they feel valued by the council.”