‘Resilient’ communities ensure help to tackle lockdown loneliness

A COMMUNITY effort to ensure no one ‘falls through the cracks’ and is left isolated has seen people across North Yorkshire pull together throughout lockdown

As Loneliness Awareness Week gets under way, North Yorkshire

County Council has paid tribute to the dozens of befriending services that have adapted during the pandemic, and helped those who are shielding stave off feelings of loneliness.

The authority said feelings of loneliness have, for some, become more profound during lockdown, as conversations that may have took place with health professionals, shop workers or just out on a daily walk have not been able to take place.

North Yorkshire County Council has been working with and supporting 23 community organisations the length and breadth of the county since March to create a volunteering network in every locality. Along with collection and delivery of shopping and medicines, books and magazines and materials to support hobbies, this has also included regular social contact via telephone, FaceTime, Skype or other methods that avoid physical contact with people who are self-isolating.

Marie-Ann Jackson, head of the County Council’s Stronger Communities programme, said: “If there’s one positive to come from coronavirus, it’s seeing the incredible resilience of our communities.

“For many this crisis has actually brought their neighbourhood closer together and people have connected with someone else because they either needed or offered support.”

For information on support visit to www.northyorks.gov.uk/ community-and-living.