Connect Hackney has published a range of interventions for helping people remain connected during the Covid-19 outbreak. 

The interventions suggested  in the document are not focused on meeting vital needs such as access to food, medication or providing support services for people facing crises such as mental health issues or domestic violence.

However, once these fundamental needs have been met and for those already settled, it will be imperative to provide ways to keep people mentally active and connected in order to maintain their emotional and physical wellbeing.

We are also aware of the need to support the sector to develop targeted responses to people in different contexts e.g. those living in care homes or with specific conditions e.g. hearing loss. This is an ongoing piece of work and we will be constantly updating this list and providing opportunities for organisations to share learning, challenges and ideas.

Please get in touch by emailing info@connecthackney.org.uk with suggestions, questions or ideas. We aim to support the sector to deliver effective projects to isolated people during this challenging time.

Background and context
The document sets out different ways that the VCS can provide leisure opportunities to isolated people during the current covid-19 outbreak. The following project ideas have either been set up prior to the outbreak or are new ideas which are suggested as a possible response.

The need to consult/co-produce projects with service users has never been more important and the ideas below should be used as prompts to spark debate and discussion with potential participants. The current climate is putting extraordinary pressure on voluntary sector organisations to respond swiftly to an extreme situation.

Despite these unprecedented conditions we urge providers to undertake consultations with potential users and/or co-produce projects where possible. Doing so, while causing a delay to the beginning of delivery, will strengthen the effectiveness of your intervention and help ensure you are meeting the needs and interests of isolated people.
We also recommend adopting a test and learn approach in which you try out different responses and adapt them based on what is working.

Click here to read more.