How you can help prevent loneliness
Here we are big advocates of helping to prevent loneliness, especially among the elderly.
Our carers visit service users on a regular basis and can sometimes be the only smiling face they see that day, so we’ve put together some handy advice on how you can help towards the battle to prevent loneliness in your community:
- Pop in for a coffee and a chat
It may only be a small gesture but it can really make someone’s day if you pop in for half an hour or so just to have a cup of coffee and a chat with the person your visiting. It’s also a good way to check they are getting proper food and warm drinks in the colder months. If you can’t pop in then a telephone call will also help.
- Invite a lonely person to lunch/dinner
If they are mobile then inviting a neighbour, friend or elderly person in your community round for lunch or dinner is the perfect way to help combat loneliness. It’s a great opportunity for them to enjoy some conversation and new surroundings.
- Offer to help with tasks
You could offer to help a friend or neighbour with tasks such as shopping, picking up medication, walking a dog or giving them a lift to appointments or a hairdressers. They would probably enjoy the company while they’re out and about.
If you want to help prevent loneliness on a wider scale there are a number of volunteering organisations you can get involved with. Contact the Elderly holds monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for the over 75s while The Silver Line is always looking for people to help man its helpline for older people.
