Change-Makers : Tackling Isolation & Loneliness

Include this article in your Skills Builder Journal. It could help you develop... 

During the coronavirus pandemic, many people have been isolated and alone. For Maryam and the NCS Blue Team, they wanted to do something in their community that would bring people together and help fight the feelings of loneliness.

Working with Holbeck Together - a charity based in South Leeds that provides a variety of services and activities supporting older people in the community - and Recovery Hub - a place for older people who are ready to leave hospital but not quite ready to return home - they set to work.

“We chose to help Holbeck Together and Recovery Hub because elderly people have been isolated because of the pandemic and it’s been a while since they went outside.” said Maryam.

The team came up with a few ideas on how to spread positivity and cheer to the older people they’d be volunteering with. Through fundraising activities like football and games, they were able to raise £180 that they put towards their ideas.

First up, they set up a sponsored walk, where all team members walked and talked with an older person, caught up with what’s going on in the world and made new connections!

They then went on an expedition for colour! Maryam explains: “we went to B&Q to buy colourful paints so we could make the garden look nicer at Recovery Hub. We added windchimes, painted the bird house and benches and added plant seeds, and picked up litter.”

The community felt a really positive influence and everything Maryam and the team did had a really positive impact on everyone involved.

WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHERE YOU ARE?

If you want to get involved in volunteering and social action but don’t know where to start, why not join one of our Local Action Groups? 

And if you’ve already taken part in a social action project that you’re proud of, let us know! Tell us all about it here.