New campaign to help older people tackle loneliness after Covid-19 pandemic launched
The Reconnecting Again campaign has been rolled out by Derry City and Strabane District Council
A new campaign aimed at tackling loneliness in the over 50s following the Covid-19 pandemic has been rolled out by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
The Reconnecting Again campaign strives to break down barriers between different generations and promote inclusivity by raising awareness by using a range of tools, including social media.
It strives to highlight different opportunities to connect and re-engage, particularly as Covid restrictions ease further and it becomes possible to socialise safely.
The scheme working in partnership with the Public Health Agency also works to reduce social isolation.
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Alderman Graham Warke, said: "It's hugely important to tackle isolation, particularly in the older community.
“The past two years have been exceptionally difficult for everyone, especially for those in more vulnerable groups and our older people.
"Many people found themselves cut off from family and friends at a very stressful time when we all needed emotional support.
“During these difficult times the community and voluntary sector were tremendous in supporting people, who overnight become isolated due to the pandemic and their support has continued throughout.
“For others this may be a more difficult and challenging time in their lives, as they begin re-establish those connections and to reengage in social activities.
"Through the Reconnecting Again campaign, Derry and Strabane Council hopes to encourage the many organisations that offer services, activities and programmes to support older people by encouraging them to get involved and access the support and friendship on offer.
Alderman Warke has encouraged everyone to check in with their friends and neighbours to see if they may be struggling.
He added: “We all need to be more mindful of family, friends and neighbours who may be struggling, and the importance of maintaining regular contact.
“No one in our community should feel isolated or alone, especially as we move towards normality as restrictions ease, but the onus is on all of us to do our bit and create opportunities to interact.
“Almost one third of the people aged 65+ years within the DCSDC area are living alone.
“That's a significant group of people and we all know someone who is living by themselves.
“Chronic loneliness, when people always or often feel this way, can have impact on your overall health and wellbeing and it affects 1 in 20 people in Northern Ireland.”
Council's Age Friendly Co-Ordinator Ciara Burke said: "We know that having someone to speak to and getting into the habit of connecting and meeting others, particularly family, friends and neighbours is good for our overall health and wellbeing.
“There are people in our community who are understandably hesitant about getting out and about again especially as the pandemic impacted our lives in many ways and hindered our social connections.
"We want this campaign to encourage others in our community to involve our older citizens and help prompt and encourage them to strengthen and build their social networks to help support them so they feel that they can re-engage and reconnect within their community again.
“It's important that everyone has a role to play across all generations to help establish strong social connections where people can participate and feel valued and respected safely."
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