blog.gov.jeIn today’s world, social isolation and loneliness are growing concerns, especially among carers and the elderly. Building strong community connections is crucial to addressing these challenges, particularly on our island. The Connect Me Social Group, led by Sarah Vivian from St John Ambulance, aims to do just that—providing a vital source of companionship and support to those who need it most. With her background in district nursing, Sarah has seen firsthand the damaging effects of isolation and has crafted a well-rounded approach to combat them through social gatherings and support programs.
Carers Support Program
Sarah Vivian, the Carers Support Coordinator for St John Ambulance, recognised the growing isolation experienced by carers and those they look after, and in response, she developed a comprehensive support program. Her approach begins with meeting carers individually and inviting them to join a support group, where she offers crucial advice and information. The program also features sessions led by external experts, including Dementia Jersey, who provide specialized guidance on dementia care, and representatives from Customer and Local Services, who address carers’ allowance and long-term care benefits. Additionally, a social worker explains the necessary assessments for long-term care. After these sessions, carers are encouraged to join a monthly support group for continued guidance and community support.
The Companion Scheme
To tackle social isolation even further, Sarah launched the Companion Scheme at St John Ambulance—a program that pairs clients with volunteers who share similar interests and can pop by for a couple of hours each week. It’s a perfect match for people living alone, those with family far away, or anyone who’s lost a bit of confidence in venturing out on their own (something we can all relate to after the COVID-19 pandemic!). After getting to know each client, Sarah carefully introduces them to a companion who’s a good fit—someone who can manage their personal needs or has a carer available to help out before visits.
Project Details
With limited resources, Sarah had to get creative to extend support to more people referred to their service. Many of these individuals were perfectly capable of getting out but just didn’t have anyone to connect with or anywhere to go. That’s when the idea for the Connect Me Social Group was born. In partnership with Call and Check, which offers friendly phone calls to those in need of social interaction, the Connect Me Social Group provides in-person meetups and social engagement for mobile, self-sufficient individuals. Clients can be referred to Sarah or come through the Call and Check program.
For those needing a bit more help, the one-to-one Companion Scheme is still a great option. It also gives carers a much-needed break, knowing their loved one is safe and enjoying some social time. This has been especially helpful for parents being cared for by their children, giving them a chance to connect with people their own age and build friendships.
Activities and Logistics
Most participants, many of whom don’t drive, are picked up and whisked away to various spots like tearooms, parish halls, or special events. Right now, all costs are covered, and the plan is to hold two gatherings a month. Activities in the pipeline include Wet Wheels excursions, art sessions, game afternoons, virtual walks, and collaborations with other Connectors and their groups.
Since the launch of the social group, the small but mighty team of volunteer companions has continued to assist those who can’t leave their homes or feel uncomfortable in bigger gatherings, like those with hearing difficulties or anxiety. This flexible approach helps the organization reach more people who are feeling lonely or stuck at home.
Audience and Impact
The group’s clients include ex-carers, those cared for by family members with limited social interaction, individuals who have been bereaved, people with distant families, and those lacking confidence. The Red Cross has also teamed up with the group, referring some of its clients.
The impact has been incredible. One client, who lives alone, frequently shares how much less lonely they feel after attending events. Others, initially unsure about joining, now look forward to every gathering. Some have even started meeting up with new friends they’ve made independently! For one woman, who had lost her husband, these events helped her regain confidence in socializing.
Recently, the group had a wonderful time attending the Ballet d’Jerri, where even those using mobility aids felt included and had a blast. The joyful atmosphere and smiling faces were proof of just how meaningful these gatherings are. Many participants have no close family, but thanks to the group, they’ve found connections and friendships.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the group hopes to increase the number of events while keeping them small enough not to overwhelm anyone—typically, around 12 people attend each session. There’s also talk of partnering with a mother-and-baby group run by Move More to encourage intergenerational bonding.
Volunteer Support
Volunteers, who are first-aid trained and DBS-checked, play a crucial role in the group’s success. A friend of Sarah’s with a minibus license helps with transportation, and the Westhill Hotel generously hosts tea and cake sessions. Sarah coordinates closely with the volunteers to match their availability and interests with group activities. Karen from Call and Check also invites people she’s connected with, further enhancing the group’s social network.
Personal Insights
For Sarah, launching this initiative has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the smiles and hearing the lively conversations at events is heartwarming. With her background as a community nurse, Sarah is deeply committed to building a strong sense of community and helping people thrive at home. In the face of an ageing population and rising mental health challenges, reducing loneliness and isolation is key to supporting positive mental health. Thanks to a government grant, the Connect Me Social Group has been able to continue making a lasting difference.
Connect Me: Connecting Our Communities
Connect Me is a Government of Jersey initiative that provides grants of up to £5,000 for projects which increase opportunities for Jersey residents to participate in arts or physical activities for wellbeing.
Connect Me takes its inspiration from social prescribing – an increasingly widespread practice in health services all over the world which has been proven an effective method of preventative healthcare, particularly for mental health improvement. Building on Jersey’s unique community spirit and wide range of art, culture and physical activities that are available, Connect Me seeks to use social activity as a non-medical alternative or supplement for conditions associated with loneliness, poor mental health or inactivity as well as supporting social mobility and inclusion.
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