We’re getting together with our neighbours to end social isolation

Posted on: 3 June 2019

'Looking out for our neighbours’, the campaign to combat loneliness and isolation across West Yorkshire and Harrogate, is proud to support The Jo Cox Foundation’s ‘Great Get Together’ taking place from 21 – 23 June.

Throughout June the campaign delivers one simple message ‘Get together with your neighbours’. Whether it’s simply saying hello, having a cup of tea or doing something for your neighbour, the Great Get Together is the perfect reason to connect with those in your neighbourhood.

Kim Leadbeater with Rob Webster and Ian Holmes from the Partnership and Parveen Butt from Jo Cox FoundationKim Leadbeater, sister of the late Jo Cox MP and Ambassador for The Jo Cox Foundation says:

"I feel passionately about creating well-connected communities where everyone is happy and healthy and has a sense of identity and belonging. It’s wonderful to know that some of the connections being made through the ‘Looking out for our neighbours’ campaign can be continued as part of The Great Get Together, which takes place on the weekend of Jo’s birthday in June. I believe if we all work together to prevent loneliness and its associated health risks, we can have a positive impact on the wellbeing of everyone.”

The ‘Looking out for our neighbours’ campaign, commissioned by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership launched on the 15th of March and has inspired hundreds of people to engage in positive action and neighbourly activity across the whole area.

Rob Webster, CEO Lead for West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and CEO for South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said:

It’s ‘great to be getting together’ with the Jo Cox Foundation to share the message that tackling loneliness and preventing social isolation improves all of our lives. Many people feel lonely at some point in their lives, whether this is due to bereavement, divorce or other life changing events and without the support of family and friendships it can be very difficult to overcome. A simple act of kindness can make a huge difference to everyone’s day.  I’m delighted the campaign has reached so many people and long may this continue over the summer and beyond”.

Since the launch, over 350 organisations and community champions have signed up to back the campaign, promoting its message throughout their organisations and within their communities. The campaign has also received attention on social media, with the hashtag #OurNeighbours being used over 1000 times. In addition to over 35,000 helpful neighbour packs distributed, a further 600 people have downloaded a digital version of the pack from the campaign website.

To download your own helpful neighbour pack or find out more about the ‘Looking out for our neighbours’ campaign, visit: ourneighbours.org.uk/resources. You can also search #OurNeighbours to see the positive difference the campaign is making across the area on social media.

Campaign background

‘Looking out for our neighbours’ is a social marketing campaign commissioned by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership. The campaign aims to prevent loneliness and its associated health issues by encouraging communities to look after each other. The campaign aims to inspire communities to engage in simple wellbeing activities that will positively impact on their neighbours. Find out more at: ourneighbours.org.uk

The positive difference the campaign is making

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Robyn, Service Delivery Officer at Stonewater Housing – Halifax:

“The ‘Looking out for our neighbours’ campaign is making a difference to our residents here because it’s really got that conversation going. We’ve got residents who are really looking out for each other, doing things and really engaging with the pack and doing little things for each other during the week, whether that’s going shopping with each other or taking the recycling down for one another. Some of our more elderly, vulnerable residents are definitely benefitting from that.”

“The campaign packs are being used by the residents, just as a little kick starter of what they might be doing for each other. So we’ve got residents who are using the weekly planners and seeing that they’re going shopping, they can shop with another resident or for another resident. They also take the recycling down for others who wouldn’t be able to do it themselves. It’s really nice that it’s being utilised and being taken on board.”

Chris, secretary at Memory Lane Café – Halifax:

“Looking out for our neighbours’ is a great idea. What I think is really good about the campaign is the way it shows people that you don’t need to do big things to make big changes. It’s the small things, it’s talking to people and enquiring if they’re alright, offering to do a little bit of shopping. It’s that kind of thing, and that’s the kind of ethos we offer at Memory Lane Café.”

Salman, neighbour, Batley, Kirklees:

“I always make time to help others. I live in Batley where I live next door to two elderly neighbours. I always do what I can to help them and make sure they don’t feel isolated or lonely. Some of the ways I actively do this is by going to their house regularly and making sure they are okay and doing their shopping or just going to have a chat with them. I also enjoy making a hot meal for them as I know they appreciate the small things. I have realised that it’s the “small things, that make a big difference” as even having a chat with someone or making them smile can make someone’s day. ‘Looking out for our neighbours’ is all about humanity, compassion and showing how we can all contribute towards that.”

Julia, Huddersfield, Kirklees:

“I try my best to look out for my neighbours (as they do me). Having them for Sunday lunch, watering their garden and even baby-sitting!. When I saw the campaign Facebook posts it made me think, ‘I’m a good neighbour, but there is still more I can willingly do”. 

Laura, Collaborative Care Team, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust:

"The 'Looking out for our neighbours campaign is making a difference because it is highlighting the important part neighbours play in people's wellbeing, especially the elderly who often live alone and have medical conditions. For our team of community nurses in Airedale, it particularly helps to highlight the voluntary services that support our patients with simple everyday things like taking them shopping, moving furniture or even just having a conversation with a cuppa." 

Deanna, Spectrum People, Wakefield:

“Looking out for our neighbours campaign supports this project as we encourage parents that attend to make connections with the elderly and vulnerable at both locations. Many parents ask after regular resident attendees and have even planned and put on Easter parties for all to attend.”

Emma, neighbour, Bradford:

“When my neighbours first moved in next door I was busy (as many of us are) and didn’t spend a lot of time at home. Then it felt awkward to break the ice… luckily we did say that first hello and now it’s just the norm. It really makes a difference to how I feel at home and is a true enhancement to my life.”

Sandra, Nidderdale Plus Community Centre, Harrogate:

“I like the ‘Looking out for our neighbours’ calling cards as they have encouraged residents to use them and leave their number for support. The campaign has also encouraged one of our service users to arrange a tea party which has brought the community together.”

Stuart, Neighbour, Leeds:

“I’m looking out for my neighbours. I'm always keeping an eye and calling in on elderly people near where I live.”

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