A homelessness charity is urging people in the North-east to pen letters in an attempt to ease COVID-19 loneliness.
As part of Aberdeen Cyrenians’ ‘I’m Thinking Of You…’ campaign, people are being asked to send a message online, which will then be passed on to someone who is vulnerable during Mental Health Awareness Week (18 – 24 May).
The charity, who set up AC2U alongside Aberdeen Foyer, Social Bite and CFINE to ensure vulnerable people continue to have access to food and other basic essentials throughout lockdown, will deliver these letters as part of its regular week day, no-contact service.
Lynda Reid-Fowler, community services lead said:
‘For people who are homeless, rough sleeping and in crisis, the changes to everyday life brought about by lockdown have been particularly difficult - moving your life indoors when you don’t have a permanent address is difficult; staying connected when you don’t have a device is impossible; battling your mental health, alcohol and substance issues alongside coronavirus anxiety is utterly overwhelming.
‘We know from feedback we’ve received that many of our service users are finding this time really challenging – there are some who are experiencing extreme worry around continuing food and financial support for themselves and their families, as well as fear and loneliness when they are self-isolating.
‘We wanted to do something to help combat this loneliness and boost mental wellbeing during this difficult time and receiving a kind and thoughtful message is a really good way to do this’.
The project is open to all, and letters can take any form and be submitted via the charity’s website.
Bryony Shepherd, community and events fundraiser, said:
‘In the past we’ve had people write Christmas cards to our service users to send a message of cheer to someone who may be lonely at that time of year, and it really does make a difference, so we wanted to do something similar to keep spirits high by sending some positive messages now.
‘Writing to someone is a really good way to boost someone else’s spirits, and your own – and we’d encourage people to be as creative as they like with this, including things like poems, drawings, recipes, and maybe even TV recommendations.
‘Lockdown has been a really difficult period for everyone, and we hope encouraging a sense of connection and community will make getting over this hurdle a little easier, as everyone likes to know someone is thinking of them’.
To submit your letter or to find out more about the ‘I’m Thinking About You’ campaign: www.weareac.org/thinkingofyou