The Covid pandemic has forced us all to change the way we are used to doing things and adapt to a new normal. But regular social groups were more than a chance to catch up with friends. For many people, social groups were possibly their only chance to leave the house, to meet other people and the only chance they had to combat those awful feelings of loneliness and isolation.
So, when we were forced to pause our social groups because of Covid, we set up some remote social groups, and so far they have been really popular! These groups are free for Deafblind UK members, and people can join using either a video call or telephone. We limit the groups to 10 participants in each, to make it easier for people to keep track of who’s who, and to give everyone a chance to talk if they want to.
Mike Wycherley, Head of Community Services said: “Social interaction is so important for our wellbeing, but when you have sight and hearing impairment, it is not always easy to socialise. Our groups give people that chance to meet others who may be facing similar challenges.”
A participant at a recent virtual social group said: “It’s good to have a conversation with someone in the same position, who understands.”
“We have been unable to run our physical social groups for some time now, and many of our members are still very isolated and feeling lonely and low. The remote groups give people the chance to meet new friends or to catch up with old friends from our existing social groups. You don’t need any special equipment or skills to take part, just a phone and/or a tablet or computer.” Continued Mike.
The groups take place every other Wednesday and last for up to an hour. For more information about virtual social groups or to book into a group, contact Deafblind UK on the following details:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0800 132320
Text relay: 18001 then 0800 132320
BSL video relay: www.deafblind.org.uk/bsl
