Splendid isolation?

Being placed in lockdown doesn’t mean you must remain inactive. Ann McNickle, from the Causeway Rural and Urban Network, tells the Chronicle about online activities her team have organised to tackle the sense of isolation....

The Causeway Rural and Urban Network offices at Brook Street in Coleraine.

Reporter:

Peter Winter

Email:

peter.winter@thechronicle.uk.com

Tuesday 19 January 2021 10:46

AFTER almost 10 months under various levels of lockdown, concerns over mental health have never been more acute.

Samaritans have recorded record levels of calls from people left isolated and vulnerable through lack of human contact.

But there’s one local group working flat out to ensure most of us never get to that point by organising a vast range of activities - even if it is online rather than in person.

The Causeway Rural and Urban Network have been tasked by the Department of Communities to run Keeping People Connected.

The same department took the lead in co-ordinating the vast grass roots effort to keep shielding households supplied with food and medicine.

*Full story in this week's Chronicle*