A Trafford councillor is urging everyone to help tackle the nightmare of loneliness by showing compassion and looking out for their neighbours.
Cllr Joanne Harding, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, wants everyone to regularly check on their older and vulnerable neighbours and help them in any way they can during these dark winter nights.
Whether it be a cup of tea and a chat, help with shopping or lifts to the hospital, Cllr Harding wants us all to do our bit and help those feeling lonely and vulnerable.
And she wants everyone to take part in a special event this month which aims to highlight the issue of loneliness. The Great Winter Get Together, which takes place from 17-30 January, 2022, is an annual initiative which encourages everyone around the UK to help those on their own.
More than 3.5 million people across the UK took part last year by doing things like checking in with an old friend, organising a community event to help people connect, talking about loneliness and letting someone know when you’re lonely.
Cllr Harding said:
“There is nothing worse than sitting at home on your own and feeling lonely and vulnerable - it’s an awful situation to be in and my heart goes out to those people who are suffering in that way.
So if you know any neighbours who are alone and lonely, please knock the door and have a cup of tea and a chat with them. That would mean the world to a person sitting all alone with nobody to talk to. You could also help them with their shopping or hospital visits – everything can do will help the so much. Also, please consider taking part in the Great Winter Get Together, it’s a fabulous initiative which helps millions ever year. Thank you in advance for your kindness.”
To take part in the Great Winter Get Together, visit the Great Get Together website for a toolkit of practical tips and join the conversation on social media by letting them know what you'll be doing using the hashtag #NoShameInSharing.
Posted on Monday 10th January 2022