COVID-19 has undoubtedly made it a lot harder for people to maintain their social connections. While the use of Zoom has increased from 100 million in December 2019 to 300 million in April 2020, making it easier for people to connect with loved ones, the pandemic has made it impossible for individuals to form genuine connections and friendships.

Periods of social isolation have been tough, but necessary, to reduce the rise of the virus. However, this period has also been a harsh reminder that for many people living alone, their lives are often a lot like this.

To help tackle isolation and loneliness, Newham Council has partnered with the Renewal Programme, Age UK and Subco Trust to create Connect Newham. This service aims to support vulnerable isolated people via telephone calls; in short, Connect Newham is Newham’s new telephone befriending service.

For many, the telephone is the easiest and most accessible way to keep in contact.

Connect Newham is designed to be accessed easily and safely, with minimal confusion and set-up requirements. The service is available to any individual living in Newham who is aged 18 or over. They must either live alone or be the sole carer for another individual.

The referral process consists of two steps:

1) An initial conversation, over the phone, which will include an introduction to the service and what it hopes to achieve for the individual.

2) The individual will then be matched with a fully trained Connect Newham volunteer; call frequency can either be weekly or fortnightly and the individual can choose to receive from 3 to 20 calls.

Sometimes all it takes is a friendly voice and a good chat to lift our spirits and help us feel more positive. Connect Newham aims to provide a source of comfort and support to those who need it most.

To find out more or receive a referral form, please email the Renewal Programme’s Befriending Volunteer Coordinator, Kadiza Yasmin: kadiza.yasmin@renewalprogramme.org.uk

www.renewalprogramme.org.uk

info@renewalprogramme.org.uk

The Renewal Programme is appealing to Newham residents to purchase a £3 Easter Raffle: https://www.renewalprogramme.org.uk/news/food-bank-easter-raffle

The funds will be used to continue supporting those who need it the most through their foodbank.

The food parcels are delivered every Tuesday and Friday, 11am – 2pm. The Renewal Programme’s food bank has been supporting more than 150 people per session.

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