Just before Easter our CareLink team leader Linda Stone spoke to BBC Radio Stoke’s Perry Spiller about Saltbox’s CareLink service and also the ‘Help W.A.V.E goodbye to loneliness’ campaign.
The W.A.V.E campaign is one of the actions by the Loneliness Strategy Group aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation across the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The goal of the campaign is to promote the involvement of whole communities in reducing risk factors and raising awareness by delivering the clear message that loneliness can be preventable. W.A.V.E breaks down as follows:
- W – Who around you could be lonely? Keep an eye out for neighbours, friends and family who may be feeling lonely or isolated
- A – Ask “Are you all right?” Take five minutes to chat and listen to them
- V – Visit your local library to find out about activities and services that can help.
- E – Everyone can play a part. Loneliness can significantly harm health, but little things like a friendly smile can make a BIG difference.
Regular updates about the campaign can be found by visiting the Healthy Stoke-on-Trent Facebook page.
BBC Radio Stoke have also been kind enough to provide audio from our interview, now available below via our YouTube channel.