Story
As coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, lonely and isolated older people in the Brighton community are facing a miserable and frightening time alone.
However, at Volunteering Matters, our LifeLines volunteers are ready to help.
Before the virus outbreak the project ran with older people and volunteers meeting regularly for a wide range of fun and engaging activities. However, the coronavirus outbreak has meant that LifeLines has had to suspend all face-to-face activity for the foreseeable future.
Stopping contact for the 70 volunteers and over 300 beneficiaries is not an option.
Our volunteers and staff have had to think quickly and creatively to ensure that everyone can still enjoy precious social time and stay connected. For example,
- Sue, aged 70, is starting to run the first online quiz for older people unable to leave the house.
- Kate will be using conference calling platforms to run reminiscence groups, offering those in social isolation a chance to chat with others about old times.
We are lining up lots of more activities which will include,
Creative writing, book reading over the phone and regular coffee mornings for a natter. We are also working with others to create podcasts and resources to keep everyone connected.
We need you to please donate now to help volunteers like Sue and Kate. Your generosity will provide a lifeline of friendship and support for isolated and lonely older members of the Brighton community at this time of crisis.
Every donation we receive will make a huge difference to an older person's life:
£5.00 will contribute to the cost of telephone calls that will help to bring friends together.
£20.00 will help us to run new activities that will give people focus and improve their outlook and well being.
£50.00 will help us to recruit, train and support volunteers to help provide more activities and support.
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