Sir Lindsay Hoyle Backs #BeAWinterFriend Campaign
The Speaker of the House of Commons has added his backing to Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust’s (LSCft) ongoing partnership campaign to beat loneliness and help those struggling with their mental health and wellbeing over the winter lockdown months.
Chorley MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle alongside Preston North End and Blackpool Football Clubs and veterans organisations are now supporting the #BeaWinterFriend campaign, which encourages everyone to continue to look out for their families, friends and neighbours by staying in touch safely and virtually during the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.
LSCft and partners across the area recognise that there is a real need, during this crucial period for the NHS, for everyone to continue to support people who are at risk of being lonely and socially isolated.
#BeaWinterFriend was the brainchild of Kevin O’Hara, from the LSCft Partnership and Development Team. Building on his experience of working on previous loneliness initiatives, Kevin knew that due to the lockdown that loneliness and isolation could place even more pressure on NHS Services.
“We are delighted to now have the Speaker of the House of Commons and other great organisations on board with our campaign,” he said.
“The Initiative is about promoting self-care, people safely supporting each other and showcasing what all our fantastic organisations across Lancashire and South Cumbria are doing.
“Even during these severe lockdown restrictions, people and organisations are preventing loneliness by keeping people connected in so many safe and socially distant ways. By being a Winter Friend everyone can help support NHS frontline services and I’m delighted we continue to have some really high-profile figures and organisations supporting our campaign.”
Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he was “absolutely blown away” by the #BeaWinterFriend initiative.
“We know what a difficult time it’s been, but none more so than now, as we go into the wet, the cold and the dark of winter.” he said.
“Please sign up and be part of #BeaWinterFriend. The NHS is involved, the veterans are involved and you can be too. It’s a great idea – let’s make sure that we help each other through this.”
Preston North End along with Blackpool Football Club have continuously been supporting their fans and communities with some great initiatives during lockdown including befriending phone calls, online social groups and socially distancing ‘doorstep’ conversations. Preston were keen to get their players involved.
Captain Alan Browne said: “I’m pleased to be supporting the #BeaWinterFriend campaign, which is highlighting the need for us all to stay in touch with our friends, family, and loved ones, both through this difficult lockdown period and beyond.
“Pledging to #BeaWinterFriend is a great way of supporting those who are feeling lonely or socially isolated. It’s important to look out for each other – a quick chat and other small acts of kindness can go a long way to improving someone’s mood during this time.”
Meanwhile, Chorley manager Jamie Vermiglio, whose team has brought joy to lots of people with their FA Cup run is asking all of us all to offer a little hope to others.
“We’re hoping our FA Cup experiences have brought a little bit of light to everyone in what has been a very difficult period,” he said “So, please spread a little bit of love, a little bit of happiness, give a bit of time…anything you want. Do your bit to make those around you happy and #BeaWinterFriend.”
Kevin added: “We know it’s been tough for everyone, but please, if everyone can support the NHS in these final winter months it would really give a boost to our front-line colleagues and everyone else across the NHS who have been working so hard through lockdown.”
More tips and advice will be shared using the hashtag #BeaWinterFriend and please share all your supporting Initiatives using the hashtag and follow @BeAWinterFriend
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Please note – if you use the image of Sir Lindsay Hoyle attached, please credit: Roger Harris/ UK Parliament.
#BeaWinterFriend videos can be downloaded here:
Sir Lindsay Hoyle supports #BeaWinterFriend - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DaXOOEKPZo&feature=youtu.be
Alan Browne supports #BeaWinterFriend - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJVuo_PCrs8&feature=youtu.be
Jamie Vermiglio supports #BeaWinterFriend - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keiJ5qXMMHU&feature=youtu.be
For further information contact Kate Hall 07958 263117
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCft) provides health and wellbeing services for a population of around 1.8 million people. The services provided include community nursing, health visiting and a range of therapy services. Wellbeing services provided include smoking cessation and healthy lifestyle services. The Trust specialises in secure, perinatal, inpatient and community mental health services, including services for children and young people and patients with learning disabilities. LSCft covers the whole of the county and as March 31, 2020 employed 6,342 staff across more than 400 sites, working with a multitude of partners. Care and support is provided in a range of settings. Service provision is delivered to meet the physical and mental health needs of the local population.
The Trust uses social media to promote events, involvement and job opportunities as well as general news and updates. You can find us on Twitter at: @WeAreLSCFT You can also find us on Facebook here.