As the country deals with a second lockdown, support continues to increase for Kent Community Foundation’s Knock and Check campaign to ease loneliness and isolation
With Kent and Medway back in lockdown, Kent Community Foundation knows that it is now more important than ever that people across the county come together to support the Knock and Check campaign and is urging people to check on their elderly and isolated neighbours this winter.
Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive, Kent Community Foundation, said, “Kent Community Foundation is delighted with the overwhelming support we have received for the Knock and Check Campaign. Our elderly neighbours were already facing a long, lonely winter but with lockdown they may become even more isolated and lonely as they are not able to see friends and family or perhaps even leave their homes. Our campaign is being supported by Kent County Council and many charities and community groups across Kent and Medway, and together we hope to encourage the community to join us and help the most vulnerable through winter, with simple and safe actions.”
Roger Gough, Leader of Kent County Council, said, “We are very pleased to be supporting the Kent Community Foundation ‘Knock and Check’ campaign this winter. The 2018 KCC Select Committee on Social Isolation set out a number of recommendations and one of these was to raise awareness of social isolation and loneliness. We have seen great community spirit during COVID-19 with neighbours stepping up to help each other and this has been vital in keeping important social connections. We know that the winter months may feel very isolating for some, especially given the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 this year. A familiar face or offer of help could make a real difference to someone’s day and we encourage people to continue the acts of kindness demonstrated across the county during the first lockdown, over the months ahead.”
Clair Bell, KCC Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said, “I would like to thank our communities, charities and voluntary services in Kent for the wonderful and selfless work they do in protecting and helping our elderly and vulnerable residents, particularly in light of the increased difficulties and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the weather gets colder, particularly during this month of lockdown, it is crucial that we check on and support our neighbours and communities to combat loneliness and avoid any unnecessary suffering and deaths. I am proud to be supporting this vital campaign and would like to encourage everyone to take part, however they can, and help Kent Community Foundation and KCC keep vulnerable people safe this winter.”
The Romney Marsh Community Support Hub who work with the elderly across Romney Marsh is also supporting this winter’s Knock and Check campaign.
Jon Wilson, CEO, The Romney Marsh Community Support Hub, said “We are delighted to support the Knock and Check campaign here on the Romney Marsh. Throughout the pandemic, we have helped the vulnerable in our community through our Community support Hub, working with our team of volunteers who have distributed shopping, prescriptions, hot meals and provided help where it is most needed. The Knock and Check initiative is a great way for the wider community to help the elderly, many of whom are isolated and struggling at this challenging time. As the COVID19 situation continues, and we approach the winter months in lockdown, looking out for the wellbeing of others is more important than ever.”
Josephine McCartney continued, “We have a resource directory on the Kent Community Foundation website of organisations in Kent and Medway who are there to help you and your neighbours. Please do pass details of the help and support that is available to those who need it and together we could make a huge difference to the vulnerable within the county this winter, and ultimately we hope to save lives too.”
To find out more visit www.kentcf.org.uk/knockandcheck
