Author: Michelle Alexander

‘Stay Connected’ Pledge

Tackling loneliness has always been a priority in Worcestershire, but now more than ever. We recognise that there are people of all ages who are feeling lonely and we want to encourage everyone to take simple steps to feel more connected, which we can all do, even at a distance.

To enable residents to identify what opportunities are available across Worcestershire for them to connect we have launched the ‘Stay Connected’ pledge that all providers can sign up to. This will show residents that as organisations you are committed to tackling lonelinessand supporting people to stay connected.

All we ask is that each provider ensure their activities are inclusive,welcoming and provides an opportunity for people to  connect with others, by putting in place some simple measures:

• Ensure the activity is inclusive;
• Identify any barriers to participation and where possible work with partners to address these e.g. arranging community transport, taking the activity out into the community, making the activity available online;
• Welcome and introduce new members (this could include a ‘Welcome Pack’ given to members including information about the activity);
• Offer a buddy scheme where existing members ‘class advocates’ support new members to feel welcome and included;
• Ask members about t heir skill s and interests and if they would like to be more involved through volunteering;
• Keep members informed of any activity changes via t elephone, email and social media;
• Where appropriate  keep attendance registers to  contact  members if they have not attended after an appropriate amount of time to see if they need any support;
• Provide info rm ation on tackling loneliness and signpost to other services;
• Staff and volunteers complete the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) e-learning, and any other appropriate training e.g. loneliness awareness, inclusivity

As organisations you will beprovided with signposting info rmat ion and access to the MECC e-learning.

Once the measures have been put in place and you have signed and dated the pledge you will be awarded the ‘Stay Connected’ logo which is available in a numbe r of formats that you can use on any marketing and publications when promoting your activity. As an organisation you will also be listed as a partner on the Worcestershire Health & Wellbeing webpage which is accessible to the public (please see the link below).

htt ps:// www.worcest ershire.gov.uk/ info / 20526/ lonel iness and isolation

Your registration will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure these measures are still being implemented and as organisations you are still committed to supporting people to stay connected.

If as an organisation you are able to fulfil these requirements and would like to be part of this initiative please sign and date the pledge below and return to

MWhistance@worcestershire.gov.uk

‘Stay Connected’ Pledge

Pledge of:

(please insert organisation name)

As an organisation we are committed to tackling lonelinessby ensuring our activities are inclusive, welcoming and provides an opportunity for people to connect with others, by putting in place some simple measures:

• Ensure the activity is inclusive;
• Ident ify any barriers to participation and where possible work with partners to address these e.g. arranging community transport, taking the activity out into the community, making the activit y available online;
• Welcome and introduce new members (this could include a ‘Welcome Pack’ given to members including information about the activity);
• Offer a buddy scheme where existing members ‘class advocates’ support new members to feel welcome and included;
• Ask members about their skills and interests and if they would like to be more involved through volunteering;
• Keep members informed of any activity changes via telephone, email and social media;
• Where appropriate keep attendance registers to  contact  members if  they have not attended after an appropriate amount of time to see if t hey need any support;
• Provide information on tackling loneliness and signpost to other services;
• Staff and volunteers complete the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) e-lea rning, and any other appropriate training e.g. loneliness awareness, inclusivity

I agree to the pledge being reviewed on an annual basis to ensur e these measures are still being implemented and as an organisation we are supporting people to stay connected.

Signed by: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Job Title: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Date: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….