Be-friend

A new help line and therapeutic support service for older people struggling with the effects of COVID-19

COVID 19 has exacerbated the vulnerabilities of our elderly population leaving many feeling socially isolated and lonely. Through the funding received from Tesco Bags of help, Athena was able to start a new Be friend telephonic and therapeutic support service that is helping to reduce anxieties, stress and loneliness of a social group who says that they feel 'forgotten' by the rest of society.

Our sponsor

Tesco community grants fund thousands of local projects right across the UK. Projects that bring benefit to their community will get the green light – these range from improving community buildings and outdoor spaces to buying new equipment, training coaches or volunteers and hosting community events.

In August 2017 Tesco replaced single use carrier bags with new Bags for Life made from 94% recyclable plastic, to help reduce bag use even further. The money raised by the sale of these bags now funds Bags of Help.

Outcomes

As current research shows that the elderly are more vulnerable and are prone to exacerbation during such a crisis, this new service offers mental health support, advice and guidance. Since the 01/07/2020, we make regular weekly calls to 15 elderly people across Norfolk. We have received more than 20 calls and texts from our beneficiaries and concerns ranged from a simple need to chat, for advice around social distancing and health practices, shopping, family concerns and clarification around national rules and regulations. 

The positive impacts resulting from this funding include the clarification around misinformation and uncertainty our elderly have around COVID 19 and its health implications which without this support would have undoubtedly given rise to hysteria, stress and anxiety. We were able to provide relevant and updated information which also reduced confusion and uncertainty.

The weekly phone chats have also been invaluable in reducing social isolation and loneliness of the elderly which is considered a “serious public health concern” due to their vulnerabilities. Our reports show that most of our elderly are afraid of 'dying' alone, of not seeing family members, of simply being 'forgotten' by the system. By giving them the opportunity to call us at any time, they feel a sense of security. Many look forward to the weekly chats and have asked if more can be done as a group so that they can meet new friends. This has developed into new ideas for support such as weekly group chats and/or weekly quizzes which our elderly can participate by simply their phones without the need to log on to the Zoom platform.