Small social bubbles to improve mental health

Allow small social bubbles (X number of households / peope).

Why the contribution is important

Improves mental wellbeing for loved ones being kept apart and to help those living alone.

This would be optional so if someone would prefer not to have social contact, they could do so.

by Nscott94 on May 05, 2020 at 01:06PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 28 votes

Comments

  • Posted by CLD83 May 05, 2020 at 14:27

    I wholeheartedly agree. Even if this is the only change for the foreseeable. People will be much happier if they can see some of their family. This is what is affecting people the most.

  • Posted by jackiewilson10 May 05, 2020 at 15:26

    After much discussion with my teenagers, we are all in agreement that the permission to meet with just one or two local friends would be a huge boost. As a mum, I am extremely concerned about the mental welfare of my teenagers. They have stuck rigidly to lockdown for 6 weeks, but are now becoming increasingly withdrawn/ inactive/ de-motivated. My young adults - in the midst of the natural process of becoming more independent - have had their immediate futures changed beyond recognition. Although they understand the reasons, their processing skills are not finely honed! They struggle with disappointment, worry over future plans, boredom, lack of real exercise, routine all to pot, genuine guilt and worry- that they are feeling this way and therefore being selfish.
    Surely, small bubbles - of people you love and care for (so would minimise as much risk as possible)- might be possible soon? If not, the health and wellbeing consequences really concern me.

  • Posted by JDalgleish May 05, 2020 at 15:36

    Completely agree with suggestion and comments.

  • Posted by mwsutherland May 05, 2020 at 16:40

    I agree. My husband has dementia and has great difficulty talking. My respite is being able to have a coffee with friends and a good chat. The phone and Video calls, though they have been a lifeline, are not really a satisfactory substitute.

  • Posted by AliJ May 05, 2020 at 17:24

    This would have such a hugely positive impact on my almost four year old son ... an only child ... he has been so sad / confused about not being able to see any of his friends. Even if social contact had to be outdoors ... it would still be a huge life changed for our whole family.

  • Posted by JockCrawford May 05, 2020 at 21:37

    I have 4 members of my family within a 10 mile radius of myself, 3 of whom are 65+. We are all blessed with having gardens so it would be nice to be able to support their mental health and wellbeing more with visiting and spending time together, outside at 2m distance, rather than just leaving shopping in the porch once a week - which is heart breaking. Small social bubbles make sense to me as the next step.

  • Posted by Christina May 09, 2020 at 18:40

    Yes yes and yes. As a person with bad mental health who lives alone I feel very abandoned and not considered in all this and what this lockdown is doing to me and others like me. I fear for the amount of lives lost by people doing it themselves. I wished to get the virus and die when I learned I was forbidden to see anyone after already living the past year in huge isolation and loneliness.
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