As Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads across the UK, many people will be forced into temporary isolation.

In response, Kate Shurety, Executive Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness said:

“For many people this will be a tough, but necessary, two weeks of social isolation. Many people will miss their family and friends and taking part in their hobbies. It shows how important friendship and connection are in our lives, and how difficult it can be when they’re missing. Research shows that half a million older people regularly experience these kinds of protracted periods of isolation, going at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all.

Making sure that you stay in touch with friends, family  and neighbours can help to ease any feelings of loneliness you may experience while in the necessary two weeks of isolation. Call friends and relatives and see how they are. Ask a friend to cook a meal, watch a film or read a book at the same time on Skype or WhatsApp. Check in with the person who lives across the street via SMS. Technology can’t replace the power of human connection, but there are ways of staying connected in isolation that will help.”