Coronavirus: Simple postcard idea helps battle against loneliness during self-isolation
Becky Wass has designed a postcard that can be dropped through the letterboxes of those in most need
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As the coronavirus outbreak takes hold across the UK, many people have become increasingly worried about the impact self-isolation could have on the most vulnerable.
In a bid to protect the elderly, on Sunday Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that the over 70s could be asked to stay at home for several months, leading to fears that many could be overwhelmed by loneliness.
But one woman from Cornwall has come up with a simple idea to help people look after neighbours who are self-isolating.
Becky Wass, a freelance copywriter from Falmouth, Cornwall, has designed a postcard that can be dropped through the letterboxes of those in most need of help during the outbreak.
The postcard, designed and created by Becky and shared on Facebook, offers help with errands such as shopping, collecting urgent supplies - or something as simple as a friendly chat on the phone.
Posting the card to Facebook last week, Becky wrote: "I’ve been feeling pretty helpless watching the news. Maybe you have too? I wanted to do something about it, so I’ve made a postcard that I’ll be posting to my older neighbours as this progresses (after washing my hands!)
"If just one person feels less lonely or isolated when faced with this pandemic, then I’ll feel better about it (I hope!)."
Becky told the BBC she came up with the idea after discussing ways to help with her husband. "Because fear has spread so quickly, its really important to try to spread kindness," she explained.
"I do think in times like this everybody wants to do something to help, and this postcard just makes that a little bit easier."
As of Monday morning, the post had been shared over 8,000 times and won the support of many Facebook commentors.
One wrote: "What a fanastic idea. My parents are both elderly and I know my dad especially is starting to feel very worried about this. There will be lots of people that don't have the immediate help of a family like my parents."
It comes just days after good samaritans in Ireland rallied on social media to offer assistance to those who had been asked to self-isolate.
Thousands of Twitter users used the hashtag #Selfisolation to offer help with errands such as grocery shopping and picking up medicines.
According to official reports, there are now 1,372 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK, with a total of 35 deaths.
Health officials have warned that the epidemic in the UK could last until next spring and leave as many as 7.9 million people in hospital.
Much of Europe has now been placed on lock down with countries including Ireland shutting down schools and universities
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments