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COVID-19 has been devastating for older people. Brendoncare Clubs supports isolated older people through virtual friendship clubs, phone contact, digital skills training and support packages. This year, older people may be shielding through the festive period, but we can bring them together.
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Beneficiaries
Situation
Researchers describe loneliness as a silent killer: it is as bad for your health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day and can lead to premature death. It particularly impacts older people, 1.2 million of whom would describe themselves as “chronically lonely” in the UK.* At Christmas, isolation can feel more intense, and this will be amplified by COVID-19. Many older people lack the digital skills to connect with others during lockdown, and some have no family to speak to at all. *P. Span, 2017
Solution
Brendoncare has set up a telephone contact and support service in response to COVID-19, making over 6,000 contacts to lonely older people since March. We have also run 48 virtual club sessions and taught 37 older people digital skills with 1-1 training. Older people may be afraid to go out when lockdown is lifted. We therefore must continue to support them remotely through winter, run virtual Christmas parties, and deliver food to the most vulnerable. No one should feel alone at Christmas.
