The CEO and co-founder of an elderly care compassion company has revealed what the people of Marlow can do to help the vulnerable during this festive period.
2020 will be forever remembered as the year that was put on hold due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Plans to see friends and family have been scrapped, many people have been left alone due to social distancing restrictions, and with the county now entering Tier 4, Christmas this year will be different for many people in Buckinghamshire.
So to help combat loneliness within the town, Andrew Parfery, the co-founder of Care Sourcer, has issued what those in Marlow can do to help those who need it the most this Christmas.
He said: "People living in the UK are feeling more isolated and lonelier than ever.
"The festive period always exacerbates this, but the Covid-19 pandemic means that most of us can’t carry out our normal Christmas plans and spend quality time with our loved ones in person.
"Wherever you live in the UK, there are lonely older people in your area, town and probably on your street.
“It’s up to all of us to step up and think creatively about how we can reach out to them in a safe way.
"If you are unable to see your loved ones in person, technology is your friend.
“Pick up the phone or FaceTime older friends and family - there is no time limit on this and it is a wonderful way to see multiple people at once.
“You can even suggest a family video call on Christmas day.
"You don’t have to use tech though. There are lots of pen pal and Christmas card schemes in place across the country.
“Pen pal schemes became very popular during the first lockdown with school children writing to the elderly in their area.
“If you are interested, you can visit your local care home’s website to see what schemes they have in place.
“There are also opportunities to become a telephone friend to an older person.
“You may get a lot out of it too.
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"We need to build better infrastructures in this country to stop the epidemic of isolation that is ruining the lives of our older generation.
“Let’s use this research as the push we all need to reach out and make a real difference to the elderly in our areas."
For more information, visit www.caresourcer.com.
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