Life in a rural village like Mousehole may look idyllic, but many people can experience loneliness. To help reduce isolation we have run several initiatives including distributing gifts to people living alone during lockdown, hosting an annual community festive meal and offering free IT support.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives, but for some people, especially those living alone or who had to shield and stay at home during the lockdowns, it was particularly challenging. We set ourselves the task of spreading a little happiness, by distributing ‘Bags of Smiles’, which contained small gifts and information about the history of the village from Mousehole Archive, to 50 local people who were either living alone or shielding during the pandemic. These were distributed by our staff and volunteers, who took time to chat from a safe distance when they delivered the gifts. These moments of connection were appreciated as much as the gifts by many people, who had not had visitors for months.
The Covid-19 pandemic also brought home the role of technology in helping us to stay connected with loved ones. For people who find IT challenging, we run regular free support sessions, where we help people set up their mobile, tablet or PC, show them how to make video calls and help with any questions they may have.
After Covid restrictions eased, we worked with a local creative practitioner Sally Crabtree to run an event with our local nursing home to spread some joy and laughter.
We host an annual festive meal in the Hall to bring the community together – particularly those who live alone or are unable to visit their family at Christmas.
By attending our events or hiring the hall you are helping to fund our community projects. If you would like to make a donation you can do so here.
“I can order my shopping online now, and talk to my friends on the computer. These are vital things you are helping with.”
IT support recipient
“Thank you so much for your help. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
Covid-19 emergency support recipient
“I consider it very important, especially in Covid 19 times where many people, particularly those living on their own, really need the internet. I play bridge and other board games online with friends and that has been a lifesaver during lockdown”
Mousehole resident
“I can’t thank you enough for coming in to do this, to see their faces light up like this is wonderful, and I haven’t seen Maureen so engaged in a long while”
Sarah Jane – Ponsandane Deputy Manager
