The problem: The pandemic has highlighted the reach and depth of loneliness in virtually all communities across the UK. This has been a perennial problem, seemingly, since time began but has increased to pandemic proportions itself in the 21st century. It is socially, medically and financially grippling for most modern societies. The solution: The solution must be (as the one I propose here) a new approach that inspires us all. My ‘Tommies’ approach builds on the much valued concepts of friendship and companionship (eliminating the stigmatised associations of loneliness), helps build more caring and relatable communities, provides employment – both voluntary and paid – for unskilled and skilled workers alike, is relatively easy to set up and maintain and is both doable and cost effective at every level. The how: A Government backed, nationwide, scheme, administered by a dedicated department within every local council, will be created to develop friendship and interrelated support systems within local authority throughout the UK. Each department will be headed by an individual with business experience, strong communication/empathy skills and (preferably) a therapeutic councelling qualification (there is a surplus of under employed councellors in the UK – despite the apparent need). They will organise short training sessions (can be undertaken by any university department offering humanistic or other councelling courses) for ‘Tommies’ recruited via an inspirational, timely, national advertising campaign – stressing a new FRIENDSHIP AND COMPANIONSHIP scheme for all – which requires YOUR support (ie (reflections of ‘Your Country Needs You’ war time posters – underpinning ‘Tommies’ soldiery connotations). The short courses could be devised, delivered and administered by any or mutiple UK universities. (The name ‘Tommies’ is proposed as the generic name for our soldiers who went to war for their country at times of national crises – but could also be in honour of Captain Tom Moore if there was no objection or legal difficulty in respect of the eponymous Trust. However another name may be more appropriate – but it is important this is original and ‘catchy’ – and avoids any association with social/medical/policing or other such services) The Tommies can be recruited from from either (any) sex, and as long as fit and healthy – any age over 18. They need have no qualifications – could be a cleaning lady or a retired GP for example – but must be strong and empathetic communicators and have a clean drivers licence. They will be CRB and DBS checked. After their induction course (to be covered by Government but unpaid for participants) the Tommies will: Be allocated (by departmental head in each area) a ‘patch’ in their local area Visit as many adults within their patch as possible promoting and explaining the scheme – ie ‘to promote friendship and companionship’ in the local area Obtain information from each person visited to assess their need for the service – in a discreet but open and honest manner. (This information may, of course, prove invaluable in regard to general concensus but need not jepardise or impinge upon any individuals privacy or Human Rights). Maintain regular contact and provide a general point of contact for those who require this Provide practical support and information (re other services available) and arrange referrals if required Enlist volunteers to help promote the scheme and assist the paid Tommies if and when required _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Benefits to nation wide ‘Tommies’ scheme: The above is not re-inventing the wheel. It is, however a new approach, that could make all the difference to addressing our fragmented society. It is the perception of loneliness, rather than a lack of will, resources, or labour, that has stymied all previous attempts, charitable and governmental, to cure this profoundly debilitating, and shaming, dis-ease of the 21st century. It is, in my view, the conflation of social and other ‘caring’ services with the need for simple companionship and a fuller involvement in the community, that has caused those in greatest need (the old, lonely, unemployed, disenfranchised) to dissasociate themselves from images projecting vulnerability and need. We already have all the infrastructure required to set up such a scheme The financial cost would be more than off-set by the gain in taking thousands off benefits (those who complete the course) – especially women who are the majority afflicted by unemployment at present – and who are the most likely group to apply for a Tommies role (in my opinion as a long established and successful Executive Search Consultant – also x Great Ormond Street nurse and Certified Humanistic Councillor – see ‘Kerr-Ingram.com). Other costs would be off set by the savings in treating so many mental and physical ailments resulting from loneliness. The scheme would reduce pressure on our GP and hospital services Many social ills could be indentified early by an observant Tommie. Battered wives, abused children, gambling, alchohol or drug addition. (Every Tommie would undertake to preserve each individuals confidentiality – unless they waived their confidentiality for referal or other purposes). The promotion of such a scheme, at national level, would surely inspire most of us to develop a friendlier outlook toward our neighbours if not to become paid ‘Tommies’ or assistant voluntary Tommies and to set an example for others. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ I can think of many more benefits and only one possible reason (possibly naively!) the Government should not support this scheme. It might be seen as something a charity should found rather than Government – chiefly because of perceived dangers associated with confidentiality/privacy laws. If so I think it would be a lost opportunity for the Government to lead on such a vital issue as I am sure checks and balances could be put in place to eliminate potential difficulties of this kind. Also such a charity – to be truly effective and make any impact at all on the problem – would find it very difficult to get off the ground in the present climate. Thankyou for the opportunity to submit my idea. The cause is very close to my heart. Patricia Kerr
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