Despite COVID-19, loneliness, social isolation and living alone are still on the increase.*
Shepley Village Association has welcomed speakers from charities AGE UK and MENCAP to previous monthly meetings. Members discussed how local communities can work together to address this growing problem in an age when communities are changing, people are leading busier lives, and the social Internet is replacing face-to-face contact.
How can you be a good neighbour?
Age UK identifies loneliness as one of the major factors older people worry about. It defines it as a subjective sense of lacking desired affection, closeness and social interaction with others. Whilst it has a social aspect, loneliness is defined by the individual’s emotional state. Loneliness is a complex and usually unpleasant emotional response to isolation or lack of companionship. Loneliness typically includes anxious feelings about a lack of connection or communication with other beings, both in the present and extending into the future.
MENCAP - the voice of learning disability - discussed how local communities and businesses can set up safe places where those with learning disabilities can get help. Trustees from the Shepley Hub suggested that the Library becomes a designated 'a safe place' once the asset transfer is done and the building's opening times extended. The Village Association has already approached Shepley Health Centre to discuss how we can all become a better neighbour.
We want to make Shepley's community more neighbourly and for individuals to let people at any age feel they are not alone but have someone they can turn to. We are encouraging people to think of their neighbours and to make a 'pledge' to support them in some small way.
There are also several groups plus regular events taking place in Shepley to help people get involved and feel that they are not alone.
Please check out the village website www.shepleyvillage.org for further information or read the village magazine
Ideas for pledges to be a good neighbour
- Share a crossword and cuppa with an older neighbour or friend
- Send your neighbour a birthday/Christmas card
- Swap emergency contact numbers with your neighbour
- Pick up shopping for your neighbour or ask if they’d like to join you
- Get to know the names of at least 2 of your neighbours
- Stop and chat with a neighbour at least once a week
- Swap seasonal recipes with a neighbour, then make extra and share
- Offer to clear an older neighbour’s path of snow or take their dog for a walk
- If it’s not too cold, invite a neighbour along for a walk
- Offer to put an older neighbour’s bins or recycling out on collection day
- Offer to help a neighbour stay in touch with people by using the internet
- Offer to pick up an older neighbour’s prescription
- Ask a neighbour to join you for a hot drink and chat at your local café
- Call in on an older neighbour and see if they need anything to keep them warm and well.