How We're Going #BeyondMobility to Combat Loneliness and Isolation

Now more than ever, we recognise our responsibility to step up and do more to help.

That's why we're on a mission to go #BeyondMobility to combat loneliness and isolation in our communities. Now and after the lockdown.

How to combat loneliness and isolation?

1. Become a Pen Pal and connect with someone who lives alone 

Sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference to someone's life.

Pen Pals is an initiative to help ease loneliness and improve the lives of anyone who is adjusting to spending more time at home.

The premise is simple. You sign up to become a pen pal and we pair you with a friend from anywhere in the UK.

We then pass on your contact details so you can stay in touch with someone new.

Whether you want to exchange handwritten letters, emails, or phone calls, regular contact is the easiest way to combat loneliness and make friendships along the way. 

How do I sign up?

Simply fill in our online form using the link below and we'll let you know when we've assigned your Pen Pal. 

2. Engaging with vulnerable people online

We're brightening your newsfeed with brain-engaging content on our social media channels.

Expect good news stories from around the world and throwback nostalgia, mixed with classic puzzles, brain games, and lots of exciting content to get stuck into.

3. Promoting the incredible work of others

Dubbed the 4th emergency service, ACORN is leading the UK coronavirus response to support people in the community who need shopping, prescription collection, post, and anything else they may need if they are stuck at home.

Through the ACORN website, you can:

• Become a volunteer for your area

• Ask for support and they will match you with a volunteer

• Donate to fund hand sanitiser, leaflets, and other essentials

We're using our Facebook platform to promote ACORN to our nationwide community of carers, relatives, and vulnerable people who may know someone who needs help but is not able to get online and ask for it.

Why is this work important?

When people in our communities come together, great things happen.

Our priority is and has always been our customers. And it’s our obligation to continue to help make their lives easier however we can.

Whether it’s sharing brain teasers or connecting those who live alone, we want to prove that even when we’re forced to spend more time alone, we’re in it together.

Remember to follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss a thing.