By, Marcus Dysch
1 min read
ByMarcus Dysch, Marcus Dysch
It was impossible not to be moved by the loneliness campaign in these pages in the past fortnight.
The tales of people going a week without speaking to anyone, helplines bombarded by those struggling to cope, and proud pensioners revealing their hurt at being forced to "beg for friends" had a forceful impact on me.
We may all be caught up in our own busy worlds, torn between work, family, friends and other pursuits, but who does not have some time to spare to help? Two hours a week? I waste more time than that procrastinating on Twitter.
That was why I, uncharacteristically, made the spur-of-the-moment decision to contact Jewish Care and arrange to become a volunteer.
After a couple of quick emails I was soon on the phone to co-ordinator Harriet, who sent me the easy-to-complete forms.
Tales of pensioners begging for friends had a powerful impact
I now hope to become part of the befriending service, visiting residential homes, or Jewish Care users in their own properties.
My first training session is after Pesach, and then within a month I will be able to start volunteering.
Excited and rather nervous, I am looking forward to making new friends of all ages, giving something back and playing a part in the collective effort to combat loneliness.
Marcus Dysch is the JC's assistant news editor