Kent Equality Cohesion Council (KECC) and Cohesion Plus over the past couple of weeks have been working with local authority and voluntary sector partners to help tackle some of the issues which have arisen as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the key issues highlighted locally has been the sense of isolation and acute loneliness experienced by many who are cut off from friends and family. As a result of this, KECC and Cohesion Plus have launched the ‘Phone a Community Friend’ scheme. The free phone service offers individuals a chance to have a friendly chat with a like-minded, local people.

Currently to access the service people will simply need to visit either www.kentecc.org.uk or www.cohesionplus.com and complete the short, easy form. A volunteer will aim to be in touch within 24 hours.

Gurvinder Sandher who is leading on this scheme commented “In these unprecedented times it is important that communities come together to support the vulnerable amongst us. Having looked at what support is available locally and taking advice from partners, this was an area where we felt we could make a positive contribution. I am really heartened to see how different community groups, neighbourhoods and faith organisations are coming together locally to do their bit in helping to get us through this challenging period.”