Help for loneliness
If you're feeling lonely or isolated you don't need to deal with it on your own. There are organisations that support people who are alone by setting up and organising activities you can join or just having someone to talk to. Check out the organisations below if you would like to access their services.
About Reengage
Reengage is a group that is for people aged over 75. During the COVID-19 crisis, they are offering regular phone calls for people who live alone.
They have different social activities, such as readers groups, which will be available again when things return to normal. You can use their interactive map to see what activities are local to you.
Contact details
Website - www.reengage.org.uk
Email address - info@reengage.org.uk
Telephone number – Freephone 0800 716543 or office phone 020 7240 0630
About Royal Voluntary Service
The Royal Voluntary Service is a group dedicated to supporting people in need. They're online activities are a great way to speak to other people and a fun way to fill your time.
Royal Voluntary Service is running a virtual village hall with free virtual activities such as arts and crafts, health and wellbeing classes and cooking lessons, so there is something for everyone. When they are safe to open, they organise a wide range of clubs and events in local communities that are run by volunteers, these include community cafes and lunch clubs. If you would like further information on their social activities, please see the link below:
Contact details
Website - www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
Telephone number - 0330 555 0310
About The British Red Cross
The British Red Cross is an organisation that helps millions of people in the UK and across the world get the support they need. They have created a page on their website to help people cope with loneliness by making connections and building confidence in yourself and your digital skills. On top of this, their search engine will help you find your local loneliness services.
Check out British Red Cross' support and resources
Contact details
Website - www.redcross.org.uk
Email address - contactus@redcross.org.uk
Telephone number - 0808 196 3651 (covid line) 0344 871 11 11 (main line)
About Age UK
Age UK is one of the leading groups working with older people. The group is offering befriending services such as telephone calls. This is done in partnership with the charity The Silver Line. If you would like to access their helpline please visit www.thesilverline.org.uk/helpline.
The organisation has also put together a guide on video calls so if you have access to this technology and would like to see a friendly face, follow this link for step-by-step tutorials: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/video-calling/.
Age UK also offers services such as day centres, social activities, and exercise classes which they will hopefully be able to resume soon. These outlets are great ways to meet other people and make connections.
Contact details
Website - www.ageuk.org.uk
Telephone number - 0800 055 6112
About Wavelength
Being able to access a tablet is a great way to communicate with friends and family, and even sometimes watching your favourite programme can help you escape for a few hours. Wavelength is an organisation that strives to prevent loneliness by giving media technology to people in need.
Find out more information including how to apply for a device
Contact details
Website - wavelength.org.uk
Email address - info@wavelength.org.uk
