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Silverline report a big increase in loneliness calls to their helpline at Christmas and during July and August (when many working professionals and families are away).
Our seasonal activities aim to fill this gap.
For example, 280 older people were provided with a befriending visit and Christmas meal on Christmas day or supported (with transport to attend a special Christmas event).
Our first ‘Holiday at Home’ trialled in 2019 was an invitation to our members who no longer go on holiday due to being alone, living on a tight budget or due to health or mobility issues. In August 2019, 77 older people came to our first ‘cruise ship’ holiday, with 22 volunteers as crew helping to create a holiday experience from the décor, through to refreshments, photo booths and activities. Much fun had by all!
In 2020 due to the restrictions relating to Covid-19 our Thinking of you at Christmas campaign was in the form of a large-scale postal mail out. All our scheme members and volunteers received a Peace poem, individualised card from a school pupil, special tea bag, Quality Street, candy cane with a virtual hug, scented Christmas candle and ‘what’s in the bag’ card helping to facilitate befriending conversations.
Just under 1000 packs were received. Comments from recipients include:
“I had to sit down to take it in, it brought me to tears”, “You can’t possibly know how much it means to be thought about”, “I felt a sense of joy!”
Scheme Member feedback.
Contributions for the following amounts will help us to create a sense of belonging for our scheme members through:
Birthday cards
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Newsletters and activity packs
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Telephone groups
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Chaplaincy calls and resources
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Comforting befriending phone calls
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A brilliant new befriending match!
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