On Monday Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) launched a communications campaign to help those experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation during the pandemic.
Funded by the Contain Outbreak Management Fund the campaign will publicise the local support available to residents feeling lonely and suggest things they can do at home to look after their wellbeing and keep connected to others. It will also share the latest advice to protect against Coronavirus.
MVDC will run two distinct campaigns targeting 18 to 30 year olds and over 65s. Research suggests that the pandemic has heightened the already increased risk of loneliness experienced by younger people. Older people who live alone are also at risk as they are less likely to connect with others online.
A colourful spring-themed Mole Valley Life health and happiness magazine is being posted to the 14,000 households in the district where one or more person over 65 lives. It publicises the local help available to combat loneliness and improve wellbeing, and the ways in which Mole Valley Life continues to support residents through their Technology Enabled Care, Community Transport and Social Centre services. The magazine provides articles and activities to engage with whilst at home, including reader offers, fitness exercises and brainteasers. Whilst the publication mainly focuses on offline activities it also includes information on the help available locally to get online.
The magazine will be supported by a social media campaign and online advertising which will direct people to a new Ways to Wellbeing section on the Mole Valley Life website. The online advertising will reach an estimated 20,000 people over 65 in Mole Valley. Posters with wellbeing tips are also being sent to all GP surgeries in the district.
A digital advertising campaign will reach around 10,000 people aged 18 to 30 in Mole Valley. This will include fun and friendly Snapchat and YouTube animated videos with tips for keeping happy at home and a survey asking people how they are feeling. People will be encouraged to visit a new 40 Ways to Wellbeing page on MVDC’s website, which contains tips for keeping happy at home. The campaign will be supported by social media including a video made in partnership with Mole Valley’s arts festival Arts Alive which features all the creative things people have been doing to keep happy during lockdown.
Cabinet Member for Community, Councillor Hazel Watson said: “With social distancing, lockdown, self-isolation and shielding, the pandemic has made loneliness an even more serious issue in our society. Having social connections is one of the most important drivers of overall wellbeing, and feeling lonely has been linked directly to poor physical and mental health.
“We want those at risk to feel less alone and know that there is lots of support available locally and nationally, via the telephone and online. Please do take a look at our 40 Ways to Wellbeing page for lots of tips on how to keep connected to others and look after your wellbeing when you’re at home.”
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