More than just a helping hand
As the seasons change and Autumn creeps in, it is not uncommon to notice a change in your mood. Afternoons grow darker and sometimes it’s easy to feel a bit lost. The hours between one day’s activity and the next can feel lonely and isolating without set plans. What if you were able to fill the gap whilst connecting with others, pursuing your hobbies, all while supporting your community from the comfort of your own home?
Help others while helping yourself
Indeed, there are a number of hours each afternoon where countless people across the UK struggle with loneliness. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be isolated, everyone can benefit from more social engagement and connection. Instead of switching on the radio for mindless entertainment or zoning out in front of the television, why not dive into a new passion or join a conversation group? From the comfort of your own home, you can join a community virtually or by telephone. Karen Bowlas, project development manager for Getting Together Matters, says to consider participating in one of the charity’s group activities to combat loneliness. Why should you join Getting Together Matters? According to Karen, the benefits are two-fold: “Not only are you supporting the good of all, you’re supporting your own wellbeing.” Getting Together Matters is a series of virtual and telephone events organised by Volunteering Matters. A national charity partnering with communities to overcome adversity, Volunteering Matters tackles social isolation and loneliness, and fosters the development of the future generation of leaders.
Something for everyone; What’s on
As described by Karen: “People are meeting likeminded people across the UK. It’s a way to meet people you would have never met.” Getting Together Matters encourages volunteers and older people across the UK to connect and engage across a wide variety of events. Events are hosted by volunteers and joined by participants looking to expand their social interactions, delve into a hobby, and fill that gap of loneliness. All that is needed is an internet connection or a telephone and participants can join any of the numerous online events held weekly, free of charge. From group singing to quizzes and exercise – there are multiple benefits to increased social engagement and there really is something to suit any taste. Take a look at some of the events from the current programmes; you may be inspired to join! Armchair Travel: Every Monday at 2pm for 45 minutes, a group of travel lovers meet to ‘digitally visit’ exciting landmarks and attractions and discuss them together. From art galleries to national parks, this is a great opportunity for people to swap stories, learn more, and find inspiration in a shared love of travel. Available on Zoom or by phone. Creative Writing: An informal group session for you to get together with other literary lovers, develop your own creative writing, or simply sit in and enjoy great stories. This is no judgement zone and enthusiasm is the only requirement. Available on Zoom or by phone. Telephone Pals: Are you less interested in a formal group and more interested in a one-on-one, casual chat? The Telephone Pals programme matches you with another like-minded individual for a weekly chat. These 30-minute calls are friendly and secure – telephone pal volunteers undergo background checks and follow special training – and will give you something to look forward to every week.
Self-care while caring for others
Karen is encouraging older people across the UK to join. “Some people may not consider themselves to be isolated but are still experiencing that ‘gap’ of loneliness.” For those looking to expand their social circles, participation in a Getting Together Matters is the first step. And often, participants find inspiration and become hosts themselves. Karen tells the story of one memorable participant, a woman of 91 years, who has recently started her own conversation group. “Age is not a barrier.” When joining Getting Together Matters, said Karen, you can “meet more people, have more conversations, do something different for yourself, and if you feel like you can host, that’s a great outcome.” Helping others fight loneliness and isolation can be rewarding in itself. By volunteering or participating with Getting Together Matters, you can take comfort in the thought that you have helped someone bridge that gap of loneliness. Shine a light on those in the darkness make a difference in your community – you may start to see a difference in your own life too. Now more than ever, it’s important to forge connections. Getting together has never mattered more.