Peterborough to come together to beat loneliness during coronavirus pandemic

A new campaign, Peterborough Together and Cambridgeshire Together, which is being run by Peterborough and Cambridgeshire councils will help people stay connected during self-isolation, particularly those at risk of feeling lonely.

For some people living on their own, self-isolation can lead to increased feelings of loneliness. These might be people living with disabilities or other vulnerable conditions, elderly people or those who are isolating for 12 weeks due to chronic health conditions.

There are already some great examples of people offering support in their communities, whether as individuals, groups or businesses. The councils are now asking people to reach out and help others who may be vulnerable to help them stay connected with the outside world.

The councils are asking people to share ideas on how to beat boredom and loneliness and how they are helping others by:

· Sharing stories of what you are doing to help people on social media using the hashtags #ReachOut #PeterboroughTogether and #CambridgeshireTogether

· Sharing tips on beating loneliness and boredom

· Download the campaign poster and other visuals and put these up on your social media pages or in your window for your neighbours to see

· Help us remind people of the importance of staying at home

Councillor John Holdich, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “Supporting the elderly and vulnerable has never been more important. Just knowing that a friendly person is thinking of you and being able to contact someone could make all the difference.

“We still need people to follow the social distancing advice and stay at home unless for the essential reasons outlined by the Prime Minister. But we need people to be inventive about how they keep in contact with the outside world and how they find ways of getting their shopping and help others to do the same, in a way that means they do not make physical contact with others outside of their own household.

“Through Peterborough Together we want to encourage our communities to pull together and highlight the many ways they are already supporting people in their communities and their own household. We want to share stories, so please let us know what you are doing

“Importantly, if you are shielding from the Coronavirus and are in need of food, medicine or other supplies, please contact us via our website or by calling 0345 045 5219.”

Councillor Steve Count, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “We know that for some people who are self-isolating this could be a very difficult time and could lead to feelings of loneliness. Think about people who you know who might fall into this group and how you might be able to help them, whether it’s a family member, friend or neighbour.

“We must all follow the stay at home message, but we also want people to think about how they can keep in contact with the outside world and keep stocked with food, medicine and other supplies from afar and how they can help others to do the same.

“We want to encourage people through this campaign to pull together and highlight the many ways they are already supporting people in their communities and their own household. We want to share stories, so please let us know what you are doing.

“Importantly, if you are shielding from the Coronavirus and are in need of food, medicine or other supplies, please contact us via our website or by calling 0345 045 5219.”