Mitzvah Day – 15th November 2020
Calls of Kindness
As Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads across the UK, it has become increasingly harder for people to maintain their social connections.
Many of us will miss seeing family and friends and taking part in our usual hobbies, interests and activities, which highlights just how important friendship and connection are in all of our lives.
Research shows that half a million older people regularly experience protracted periods of isolation, going at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all.
During the Coronavirus outbreak it’s especially important we can stay in touch with people of all ages who are alone.
For many of us this period of restrictions will be a difficult time. If we make the effort to stay connected, we can make a big difference to people who are feeling alone at this time.
From the outset of the pandemic, we have made sure that we are touching base regularly with everyone who normally attends our hubs through an extended telephone/1-1 online service. Between March – August, 1954 hours of telephone support and 397 hours of 1:1 video conferencing were provided.
In lockdown, our Befriending Programme has benefitted from an exciting relaunch through the use of Compeer (an international network that matches screened and trained volunteers with people with mental illness) and the hire of a new Compeer Volunteering Manager. The importance of these relationships should not be underestimated. Read our latest blog to learn more about the impact of isolation.
For some, their befriending partner represents their only link with the outside world. With help from a befriender, individuals who use our services can gain confidence, improve their self-esteem and become part of the wider community again.
“It makes me feel that someone is there for me, that someone will know if anything is wrong with me, makes me feel loved and cared about.” – testimonial from a Jami service user.
This Mitzvah Day, please take the time to pick up the phone to those that you know are experiencing loneliness and isolation.
Please share with us your photos, while making your #callsofkindness.
#EveryMitzvahMatters
#Jami
#Callsofkindness
For more information please email Laura Bahar at Laura.Bahar@jamiuk.org.
