Let’s face loneliness in Wales together – one connection at a time
Gadewch i ni wynebu unigrwydd gyda’n gilydd – un cysylltiad ar y tro
The First Minister of Wales and Welsh Government cabinet have called on the people of Wales to back the fourth Great Winter Get Together campaign as it kicks off this week.
The campaign marks a month long, UK-wide celebration aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation, and at bringing communities and people together. The idea was inspired by the late Jo Cox, who believed passionately in reducing loneliness and isolation.
Taking forward Jo Cox’s vision of a “less lonely, more connected world”, the campaign offers simple ways to connect in the community, and through engaging virtual events.
The Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, said:
“Anyone can experience loneliness, but winter can be a particularly difficult time, and especially this year.
“Connecting with friends and family through the pandemic has been difficult, but many people have found innovative ways to link up through online events, or by supporting others in their community.
“From those who have stood on doorsteps to speak to neighbours who would otherwise have spent days and weeks alone; to community groups who have set up internet catch-ups for people whose families live far away; to support groups set up to help care workers; to groups of neighbours who have found valuable ways to work together, raising funds or making products to help the NHS: I want to thank each and every one of you for helping the most vulnerable people in your communities in so many different ways.
“Through your ingenuity, you have connected with people who would otherwise have been isolated and alone. Thank you for everything you have done. Please continue to support your communities safely, in whatever way suits you best.”
The Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, said:
“Loneliness and Isolation are feelings that can touch us at any age and any stage of our life. This year sadly feelings of loneliness have increased, however it’s heartening to see the many ways people have adapted and supported their community and each other. I want to thank everyone who has made a difference.
“This year I launched Wales’ first ever loneliness and social isolation strategy, called Connected Communities. The strategy is the first step in helping to change how people think about loneliness and social isolation.”
Ruth Marks, CEO of Wales Council for Voluntary Action, said:
“The festive season can be particularly difficult for those experiencing loneliness and isolation, and this year it will affect more people than ever. There are many voluntary organisations, volunteers and community groups working hard to tackle this issue.
“The Great Winter Get Together is another brilliant example of the hard work and generosity of spirit that helps tackle loneliness by creating meaningful connections.”
Notes to editors
Notes for editors
The Great Winter Get Together is a month long series of activities run by the Jo Cox Foundation, lasting from 14th December 2020 to 18th January 2021.
The five themes for 2020 are:
- Say Thanks – 14th December to 20th December
Say Thanks is about shining a light on local heroes who have helped people throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
- Reach Out – 21st December to 27th December
More than ever before we need to support one another. This week is about encouraging people to connect with someone
- Show you care – 28th December to 3rd January
Acts of kindness go a long way to showing someone you care. This is about bringing a smile to someone’s face, which can also make us feel good about ourselves.
- Understand Loneliness – 4th January to 10th January
The changes many of us have experienced during the last year have been difficult, resulting in increased loneliness for many people in our communities. Loneliness has had an impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
- Help Out – 11th January to 17th January
Volunteering is a great way to help support the most vulnerable in our community. Help Out is about finding out what you can give, whether that’s an hour, an evening or more, it all helps.
Support groups
If you are feeling lonely and isolated, the following organisations can help you:
- Age Cymru provide free telephone friendship calls for people in Wales who are 70 or over. Please call 0300 303 44 98 open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm.
- The British Red Cross coronavirus helpline https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-with-loneliness
Case studies
Pictures relating to the case studies below can be downloaded here -
TIDE – the power of connection
This is a UK-wide charity tide (“Together in dementia everyday”) which brings together carers of people living with dementia to share their stories to influence positive change. Their work not only connects people to talk about key issues but it enables carers to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to share their voices with key decision makers in Health and Social Care.
Amy Kordiak of TIDE said:
“The key issue that have come out for carers of people with dementia since the Covid-19 lockdown has been isolation and loneliness. Opportunities for connection, even in more normal times, are limited, due to their full time caring roles.
“We sent a survey to carers at the start of lockdown, asking what support they needed. Their caring responsibilities have been even greater due to the worries about the health of people they are caring for – external visits for respite care or daily care were limited or non-existent. Caring duties became relentless.
“To fill the gap, we’ve offered social events and quizzes online, as well as online sessions on young-onset dementia, living grief and bereavement, and sleep resources. Where possible, we’ve recorded webinars to enable carers to watch at a convenient time.
“Feedback from carers has been really positive. Caring is such a tough thing to do - building support networks, and enabling people to talk things through with someone who understands can make the world of difference.”
Further information on TIDE here - https://wcva.cymru/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Tide-The-power-of-connection.pdf
Cowbridge Male Voice Choir
Cowbridge Male Voice choir consists of over 80 members. Many members are older people who have lost close family members, and miss having a close support network.
Jon Wilks, top tenor and vice chair of Cowbridge Male Voice Choir, said:
“Early in the pandemic, and with choir singing restricted, it seemed that Cowbridge Male Voice choir would not be able to continue, at least this year. I was determined, though, that people shouldn’t be on their own through this, that we should do our best to keep people together, looking after one another.
“So, I made sure that we could keep practicing using the technology we have at our disposal – Zoom – to schedule choir practices. Choir members have also struggled with their mental wellbeing during this tough year, wondering whether they will actually see or speak to anyone this week. They had lost confidence.
“Coming together as a choir sounds like a small thing, but it is a very big thing when there is nothing else to hold your attention. Keeping the choir going has given a reassuring sense of community and continuity to people who could otherwise have faced a very difficult, lonely time without much hope.
“Loneliness and loss of purpose isn’t good for anyone, but the choir, and the strong bond formed between choir members, has reawakened our sense of fun, and given us a purpose and new sense of meaning. We’ve held bake-offs, catch-ups, a cocktail night, and a poetry competition. The choir has evolved as an extended family.
“A few months ago, when we were allowed once more to meet outside in groups of up to 30 people, we organised a rehearsal together in person in a field setting. ITV Wales filmed our first rehearsal, and we also featured live on Good Morning Britain. It was a great opportunity to speak up for the benefits of choirs in general, but also to show how community groups across Wales have worked so hard to keep people together, and to support friends and neighbours who could otherwise have been forgotten. I am very proud of what we have achieved.”
Jon Wilks is available for interview – contact jon@jonwilks.co.uk
Pictures attached - Cowbridge Male Voice choir 1, 2, and 3.
Masks and Sundries Llanmaes
Gail Foley of Masks and Sundries, Llanmaes, said:
“Masks and Sundries Llanmaes is a lively group of sewers who have raised £9000 for NHS and local charities affected by Covid. Sewing has occupied us, kept us sane, and staved off loneliness through our What’s App group. We feel we have been useful and have met so many lovely people as we have sold the masks.
“We’ve made and sold around 7 thousand masks since April this year. At times, demand has been huge and has outstripped our ability to supply using domestic sewing machines alone. When that has happened, we’ve been supported by the fantastic owner of a sewing factory in Brynmenyn, Louise Burrell, who has helped us widen our donations much further.
“All the money raised has been used in different ways to support the NHS and charities – we have donated nightwear, iPad holders, radios, head bands, personal items like hair brushes and combs, and personal hygiene items like tooth brushes and toothpaste, as requested by hospitals throughout south Wales. We’ve also made and donated drain bags for breast cancer patients at Llandough hospital.
“The next project we are supporting is a Christmas Day lunch at a church in Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan. This will make sure that people who have no access to a festive lunch on Christmas Day, and those who don’t have family to share with, will not be left out. No-one should be alone at Christmas.
“Loneliness could have been a problem for all of us in the group, but we’ve all kept in contact with one another, and made new friends. Two of our sewers were recovering from breast cancer. They have been able to support one another through their journey, having met through the sewing group. The personal benefits for all of us have been huge.
“People love the masks and other things we’ve made. The group has kept us occupied, and we’ve been able to help a lot of charities (the Samaritans, the Huggard Community, and others) and the NHS. The sewing group has kept us going. Local shops, pubs, estate agents, hairdressers, leisure centres and restaurants have helped us by selling the masks we’ve made. We feel useful, and connected.”
Pictures attached – Masks and Sundries 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Nanny Biscuit (Flintshire)
Nanny Biscuit is a local project that is entirely volunteer run and led. The project aims to bring together people in the community in a positive, empowering and purposeful way to create change in areas such as mental health, isolation, disability, and older people. The group has been offering free and subsidised food packs to people and families that are vulnerable, shielding, or self-isolating. They also coordinate ‘good deeds’ for local care homes such as sending birthday gifts to residents, setting up pen pals, and organising socially distanced music performances. More on their story.
Pictures attached – Nanny Biscuit 1 and 2