Throughout 2020, we have been trying new ways to reach our residents. The Calling Out Campaign relied upon the power of simple human connection to build trust, and spread kindness, at a time of isolation.
Since April this year we have made over 1300 ‘Calling Out’ calls to our residents. The purpose of these calls has simply been checking in to see how our residents are getting on. Almost as soon as lockdown hit it became clear just how many people were isolated, and we wanted to help where we could. So we decided to pick up the phone and call people.
Everyone across the organisation got involved and everyone came back with amazing stories: from residents who were key workers, taking on extra shifts on the frontline, to those shielding who we were able to connect with services to get them food. These conversations were some of the best we’ve ever had with residents and show the power of a simple human connection. We were able to directly meet the needs of many residents, connecting them with local foodbanks, their neighbours, and even ensuring they can get hearing aid batteries delivered! We connected many more with other services that could support them. 10% of those we called requested a regular call back, and that’s what we’ve been doing, checking in just for a chat.
We spoke to two residents about what the Calling Out Campaign meant to them, and why the community has been more important than ever this year:
I was so grateful to get a call, it’s nice to have someone to chat with because it’s just me and my dog at home and I haven’t been seeing family. I only go out once a week to the shops and you do just miss that human connection. It really means a lot.
It has been great hearing from residents about how they have been looking after each other and making sure that their neighbours are well cared for. We want to thank our residents for everything they have done for their neighbours this year:
Getting a call really felt like CDS cares- I’m a key worker so not much has changed but I do think for a lot of people this sort of thing really matters. I also said I was happy to help if they did speak to any of my neighbours who needed something because I’m getting out anyway. That connection is helpful in the community as you might not know if someone nearby is in need.
In 2021, we hope to do more of this work to help build trust with our residents and understand better what matters most to them. If you, or someone you know, would like to sign up for a regular call with us then click here to find out more.
