There are 50,000 people over the age of 65 in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who may be at risk of loneliness. Many older people can go a month or more without talking to a friend, family member or neighbour and this year the pandemic will have made loneliness even worse for many.
Together we can help end loneliness. It doesn't take a big commitment, or a lot of time.
Small things you can do to help
Older people in Cambridgeshire have told us that a smile, wave, or hello from another person, can make all the difference. It only takes a few seconds to help someone feel less isolated and as long as social distancing guidelines are followed it is still possible to make a difference
- Start with a ‘hello’, a wave or even strike up a socially distant conversation.
- Send a Christmas card to the older people in your street. You could include an offer of help, should they need it.
- Reassure older neighbours by getting another neighbour to introduce you.
- Take 10 minutes each week to phone a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while.
- Write a letter to someone who has made a difference to your life.
- Encourage children to greet older neighbours at a social distance.
Help if you are lonely
In Cambridgeshire (but not Peterborough), contact:
Care Network
Tel: 01954 211919
Email: admin@care-network.org.uk
In Peterborough, contact:
Peterborough Council for Voluntary Service
Tel: 01733 342683
CPSL Mind
Good Mood Cafes take place across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. They are two-hour informal ‘get togethers’ designed to connect individuals to other like-minded people within their communities; offer wellbeing support and share interests and skills.
Visit our webpage on how you can beat loneliness.
Lifeline
Call 0808 808 2121 seven days a week 11am-11pm for listening support and information for someone experiencing mental distress or if you are supporting someone in distress.