Limit mixing of households or ‘Buddy’ system for children and young people

Many people are missing their parents, children, grandparents, partners and close friends. Visiting is good for both health and wellbeing, many of us have never went as long without seeing these people face to face.

Set out a small group of households that individuals can visit. For example, being able to mix with 3 households each, for example; [1] parents, [2] partner, [3] close friend.


Children and young people have demonstrated their ability to be resilient during the last 6 weeks, however they are missing out on the interactions with their peers.
Having a buddy system would mean 1 friend that they could spend time with face to face, study, exercising and talking with.

Why the contribution is important

We’re extremely lucky to live in an age where technology is advanced and we can see our family and friends so easily. But, we’re missing being able to spend time with them and see them in person.

Limiting the amount of households that we can access would be a great first step in lifting the lockdown and ensuring that there are still some social restrictions. Hopefully this would limit a potential rapid spread of the covid virus.


The buddy system would provide children and young people the chance to get away from their own parents, a positive outcome for vulnerable children.
I think it would be good for their mental health to have time with a friend or peer.

by M_Martin on May 05, 2020 at 02:09PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.3
Based on: 13 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Fifer72 May 05, 2020 at 14:11

    If it takes that long to explain it's too complicated and will fail.

  • Posted by lgmay May 05, 2020 at 14:13

    This "bubble system" would be of great significance to all families

  • Posted by kenmac May 05, 2020 at 14:14

    This can also link into contact tracing. There should be limited impact to transmission of virus but massive impact for mental well being.

  • Posted by JaneySue May 05, 2020 at 14:15

    This is an essential step. Many of my friends and myself are missing crucial stages in their family lives. It’s heartbreaking not seeing one’s loved ones, family is the point of our existence
    Please release us into a bubble.

  • Posted by Wemyss1992 May 05, 2020 at 14:16

    I feel strongly that this should be something we move towards at the earliest opportunity. We must make sure we support and protect peoples mental health.

  • Posted by Richs May 05, 2020 at 14:18

    This would appear difficult to manage , the person I most want to see is 2 hours away and it won’t be acceptable to drive that time for a visit, so would likely cause issues with compliance and understanding as me and many others like me will feel they are equally entitled to visit, there is no doubt that this is the ultimate goal in getting to see family and friends as it will help mental health but it needs to be a consistent approach .

  • Posted by Robbie May 05, 2020 at 14:18

    I think this is a constructive suggestion based on the social "bubble" approach.

  • Posted by M_Martin May 05, 2020 at 14:30

    Fifer72;
    Apologies as I always over complicate my ideas.
    It is 2 ideas in one to be honest.

  • Posted by M_Martin May 05, 2020 at 14:31

    Richs;
    2 hours does appear a little bit of a stretch - but perhaps there are people within a 30 min trip that you would perhaps wish to socialise with initially?

  • Posted by Donald May 05, 2020 at 15:01

    Will be difficult to monitor in all regions of country. Trust to social distance would be crucial. I fear it will lead to a early new spike in cases. Spain and Portugal have not allowed this.

  • Posted by worstludditeever May 05, 2020 at 16:26

    My concern with any suggestion of specifying individuals to "buddy" with, is always over those who get left out. I agree that some relaxation of the households seperation is important, I am just uncomfortable with essentially having to specify the people we will meet with in a fixed way.

  • Posted by Rachel_T1502 May 05, 2020 at 17:13

    I agree social contact is essential for people of all ages for mental well-being- children and young people need their peers, people living alone or in an unhappy home even 1 additional social contact - potentially outdoors to reduce transmission risks could make a massive difference to wellbeing, and people who normally rely on 1 or 2 people for help with caregiving could have their well-being massively improved by small changes
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