The British Red Cross recently launched a new service aimed at offering support to anyone experiencing issues associated with loneliness. The service, called ‘Connecting with You’, may be especially suitable for people on the highest risk list (previously shielding list) who call the National Assistance Helpline or Local Authority helplines.
‘Connecting With You’ is available to all people aged 18 or over in Scotland and be accessed online at www.mygov.scot/loneliness or by phone on 07709502127 (Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm).
Support offered is dependant individual needs and local availability but could include:
- Weekly phone calls
- online support
- in-person meetings
- support getting into new or old hobbies and interests
- help meeting new people, or getting back in touch with people
The SMS message (below) will be sent out over the next few days on a phased basis, commencing this afternoon, to all those on the highest risk list who have signed up to the messaging service, and are over 18.
GOV.SCOT
Many of you have told us you found shielding isolating. And for some people, it may be hard to get back to doing the things you did before. If you’re experiencing loneliness and are aged 18 or over, you can get support from the British Red Cross Connecting with You service.
The help they can give will depend on your needs and what’s available near you. It could include phone, online or in-person support, and help with new or old hobbies and friendships.
To find out more, phone 07709 502127 (Mon-Fri, 10am- 4pm. Calls charged at your standard network rate). Or visit www.mygov.scot/loneliness
We are also promoting the service online and will include details of the service in future written communications with those on the highest risk list.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Kind regards,
Paul
Paul Donnelly
COVID-19 Shielding for the Clinically High Risk
Further information on Shielding is available at NHSInform – Shielding
Email: paul.donnelly@gov.scot | Mob: 07341501186