The route to helping others is ‘always kindness’

While the festive period means lots of time spent with family and friends, it’s important to remember that some people don’t have a support network as the winter nights draw in.

The Courier recently launched its Community Kindness Campaign in a bid to tackle loneliness, and we hope readers will help us extend the hand of friendship to those who most need it.

Our Kindness Campaign last winter saw more than 500 wonderful Courier readers redeeming vouchers and reaching out to vulnerable members of society. This time, we want to double that figure and we need your help to do it.

It’s really easy: all you have to do is cut out the coupon in The Courier on November 27 or December 4 to get a free paper on that same day, then take the copy round to someone in your community you know is on their own. At the same time, you can take the opportunity to ask if they’re OK and if there’s anything you can do to give them a helping hand.

It could be an elderly neighbour, someone who is recently bereaved, a person with a disability who finds it hard to get out, a young mum who is struggling with a new baby, a veteran or someone who has recently lost a beloved pet.

Sometimes all it takes is a knock at the door and a friendly face asking: “Are you OK?” to open the channels of communication and offer a social lifeline.

Our four-week campaign, which will run every Monday until December 4, aims to combat these issues by helping to raise awareness of anyone in Courier Country who might be feeling lonely or isolated, for whatever reason.

Morna O’May, head of service, Scotland, at Contact the Elderly, is right behind our campaign: “We are absolutely delighted The Courier has launched a campaign to promote kindness in the community,” she says. “It is a superb initiative to encourage people to make a difference.

“Loneliness is a blight on society and it is more important than ever to proactively consider how we can tackle this mounting issue.

“Whatever the best avenue for individuals to break the cycle of isolation, the route is always kindness.

“Isolation is a huge issue but eradicating it can be very simple. Striking up a conversation, enjoying a cup of tea and being open to the idea of making new friends is the solution in many instances.”

Keith Robson, Age Scotland’s charity director, adds: “Most of us will feel lonely at some point in our lives. But loneliness

and social isolation are a daily reality for far too many older Scots, especially those who have lost family members or have limited mobility.

“Loneliness impacts on people’s enjoyment of life but it also has a devastating impact on our mental and physical health.”

Mr Robson added: “I’d encourage everyone to get involved with the Courier Community Kindness Campaign, reach out to someone, and start to tackle social isolation in our community.”

So make it your good deed to help brighten someone’s day.

Picture: Getty Images. One expert says social isolation is a “daily reality for far too many older Scots” and urged people to back our campaign.