PHONE A FRIEND

The pandemic has been hard, especially for some people who live alone, but a team of mutual aid group volunteers has been working hard to combat loneliness among their neighbours

Kensal Green mutual aid group member, Polly Green leads the Friendly Phone Calls initiative that offers regular calls and practical support to people who were feeling lonely.

“We’ve had a great response,” says Polly. “In the summer, when the restrictions were relaxed, some people met up for face to face chats or walks. We also know that people have developed some really special friendships that go beyond one phone call a week.”

Dione Southby and Judy Ruback, from Mapesbury Mutual Aid

Group, have started a friendly phone call project to connect residents who are feeling isolated with volunteers in the community. They ask both residents and volunteers about their hobbies or interests and this helps when pairing people together.

Dione says: “While volunteering at the Mutual Aid food bank in

Willesden, where residents come to collect their food parcels, it became evident that some people were feeling lonely and cut off from the rest of the world.

“These calls are beneficial for both residents and volunteers. For some residents this is a lifeline and they look forward to their regular calls to be able to have some contact with the outside world.”

If you would like to get involved and speak to someone on a regular basis, you can find a list of the Brent Mutual Aid groups online. Go to www.brent.gov.uk/stayathome

Ashford Place in Cricklewood is also offer befriending services to local residents. You can find out more at www.ashfordplace.org.uk

Judy Ruback: connecting with isolated residents on the phone

Polly Green leads the Friendly Phone Calls Initiative

For a full list of mental health support, go online to: www.brent.gov.uk/mentalhealth You can get focused support by phone, video call or online treatments by visiting the Talking Therapies website: https://talkingtherapies.cnwl.nhs. uk/brent/refer-yourself-brent For urgent mental health support, you can also access the following services 24 hours a day, seven days a week: • Samaritans – call 116 123