We may be isolated from each other but we are not alone
We are living through extraordinary, unprecedented times. The coronavirus outbreak is the biggest public health emergency in a generation and has presented us all with challenges. Just as we need the support of our friends and family more than ever, we are being told to distance and self-isolate – and I know many of us are worried about feeling lonely.
But now more than ever, I am reassured by the resilience and generosity of the British public. Many Telegraph readers will have lived through periods of uncertainty and you will remember times when communities have had to pull together and support each other.
Over the past few months I have met inspiring people who are helping to address loneliness in their communities. The past few weeks have underlined how important this is. It is amazing to watch how many of you are already doing just that – from helping neighbours with shopping to joining online communities and “phone trees” so people can check in on others. My own extended family have taken up writing long letters and emails to each other to stay connected, with more than 50 of us joining in!
If you are having to stay at home most or all of the time, you can get involved by joining local online activities or if you need help yourself – which many of us will do – you could
My own extended family have taken up writing long letters and emails to each other to stay connected
join an online support group or call a helpline such as Age UK or Mind.
There is some fantastic work under way to help us adapt to the new circumstances we find ourselves in. Last week, the Chancellor confirmed that charities will be eligible for support under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and within Government we are developing simple tools and advice so that more people who are fit and well can safely offer vital support to those staying at home.
Churches all over the country are broadcasting services online and the BBC has announced it is launching a virtual church service on Sundays, on TV and local radio. Every local BBC radio station will also join up with volunteer groups in their area to help coordinate support for those in isolation, making sure people know what help is available. Sport England is helping everyone stay active at home, sharing the best online videos with the hashtag #StayInWorkOut.
There is much more to do and every single one of us has an invaluable part to play. You all have unique skills and knowledge that will be essential to our nation’s efforts to help each other through this crisis.
Many charities – such as FareShare and the British Red Cross – are already organising to support those affected by coronavirus. As Government, we are working closely with experts in the civil society sector on how to galvanise volunteers and coordinate help.
Last week, The National Emergencies Trust set up following the Grenfell Tower and Manchester Arena tragedies to coordinate disaster fundraising responses, launched an appeal to help channel the amazing outpouring of generosity we are
There is much more to do and every one of us has an invaluable part to play to help get us through this crisis
seeing from the British people. The fund will provide a single collection point for public donations before distributing them as quickly as possible, ensuring help reaches those most in need.
While this period of self-isolation and social distancing is a new challenge for us all, feelings of loneliness are not. Over the past two years, the Government has led the way on tackling this issue, introducing the first Minister for Loneliness. Together with many charities and organisations we have worked hard to shift the way we see and act on this problem. In these difficult and uncertain times, reach out if you need help and offer support to those in need.
We might be isolated but we’re not alone.
Baroness Barran is the minister for Civil Society