Support virtual ‘Brew Monday’ call

A local care agency is supporting The Samaritans’ ‘Brew Monday’ campaign and is urging the Welshpool area to have a virtual brew with their nearest and dearest tomorrow.

The initiative encourages people across the country to get together virtually with friends, family or colleagues to have a conversation together and reconnect over a cuppa.

Neil Griffiths, Regional Manager at Abacare, which provides care to people in their own homes across Welshpool, said: “Last year we supported The Samaritans’ ‘Brew Monday’ campaign and are thrilled that it has been able to continue, albeit in a virtual capacity, again this year.

“It is a fantastic way to help tackle loneliness, especially among the elderly, so we’re encouraging the kind folk of Wales to log on to their devices and check in on their neighbours, friends or family members using Zoom, FaceTime, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or Skype and have a cuppa and catch up. A phone call can work just as well if you’re loved one doesn’t have video calling devices.

“This time of year is known for being more depressing as there is a bit of a lull after the Christmas celebrations and the weather is constantly gloomy. This means it’s the perfect time for getting together with others.

“It doesn’t have to be a Monday, it can be any day you fancy and you can even turn it into a regular event. That way you all have something to look forward to.

“Loneliness is currently an epidemic across England and Wales, so we need to make sure we are doing all we can for anyone we know that might live alone and not see or speak to family for long periods of time. Campaigns such as this can really help, and we can guarantee that whatever you do with an older person, will really brighten up their day.”

People who want to get involved can even raise money for The Samaritans by hosting virtual events where people can connect over a cuppa. Fundraising kits are available from http://bit.ly/2XxirQV and include leaflets and posters, so people can pop one in their window and let others know about the event, as well as digital slides so businesses can encourage employees to take part.

The number of people aged 50 plus experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million by 2025/26 according to the Campaign to End Loneliness. There are currently 1.2 million chronically lonely older people in the UK.

Abacare operates a professional Care Management Team that is committed to providing high quality care to individuals in their own homes. The large team of trained, specialist, care workers provide positive based outcomes and person-centred care to people throughout the UK.

Abacare is also recruiting across the Welshpool area. For more information call 01686 625644 or visit www.indeed.com/cmp/Abacare.