Wrexham local Lucy Scott has recently taken over the role of Chief Executive of national charity Omega, which tackles loneliness and social isolation across the UK. The charity helps adults of any age experiencing loneliness, but has a particular focus on people who struggle to leave the house due to frailty, poor health, disability or caring responsibilities.
Hundreds of Volunteers
Offering free telephone and pen pal befriending, the charity’s network of hundreds of volunteers up and down the country provides friendship and support to people who find themselves without friends and family nearby.
“Loneliness can be devastating, and can creep up on any of us, for many different reasons. It’s wonderful to see what a big difference a friendly regular phone call or handwritten letter in the post can make to someone who is chronically lonely,” says Lucy.
Lucy grew up and went to school in Wrexham before pursuing a career in sport. Ready for a change, Lucy was drawn to the role at Omega after seeing first-hand the isolation experienced by her grandmother, who had Alzheimer’s. “I wanted to do something to help people like my Nana”, says Lucy. “My Mum was Nana’s carer. Nana’s Alzheimer’s left her increasingly isolated from friends as she was able to do less and less. Looking after Nana took up more and more of my Mum’s time, and I saw how hard it was for both of them. It’s easy to forget that many people who are caring for loved ones can also experience loneliness and isolation.”
Heart-Warming Feedback
Last year, Omega’s network of clients and volunteers exchanged over 6,000 befriending calls and over 3,000 letters. Each contact brought connection and comfort to someone feeling isolated. “We receive such heart-warming feedback from our clients. Just knowing someone is thinking about them can brighten an otherwise long and lonely day.”
Last year, Omega launched a new initiative called ‘Pupil Pals’. This has proved very successful. Born out of the desire to bring new and joyful connections to socially isolated clients, Omega works with primary schools, encouraging children to create cards and artwork that express positive wishes for lonely individuals. Clients love receiving the cards, and children learn to discuss loneliness and mental health, while also experiencing the rewards of volunteering.
Omega is also delighted to welcome former Welsh international footballer Neville Southall MBE as a new Patron of the charity.
Rewarding To Connect
The charity has a fantastic team of hundreds of volunteers. They volunteer flexibly from home at a time that suits them and their clients. “We couldn’t deliver our services to clients without the help of our brilliant volunteers. They each give up to an hour a week to support someone feeling lonely. Many of our volunteers tell us they find it very rewarding to connect with someone they may not come across in their everyday lives, and they enjoy hearing stories and life experiences which are different to their own.
“We’ve recently seen an increase in socially isolated individuals seeking our support. We’re always on the lookout for new volunteers, particularly those interested in telephone befriending. We’d love to hear from anyone interested. We’re also keen to hear from any schools who may like to get involved with learning about loneliness and creating cards and posters for our socially isolated clients.”
Find out more at omega.uk.net/volunteer and omega.uk.net/pupilpals.
Omega… Ending Isolation | Ending Loneliness
omega.uk.net
info@omega.uk.net
01743 245 088
London House, Town Walls, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TX
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