Make a phone call to those at risk of social isolation – that is the message of a new campaign that has been launched by the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA).

The representative body for men’s sheds in Ireland launched the island-wide campaign, #CallThemForACuppa, on Tuesday 24 March.

Many older people are socially isolating in order to reduce their risk of contracting the coronavirus. However, IMSA is highlighting that while people can’t call in, they can call.

Check in

IMSA CEO Barry Sheridan said: “We always say that the ‘kettle is the most important tool in the shed’, a key part of any day in a shed is gathering around the table, having a cup of tea and a chat. While you can’t call in, you can call. The next time you’re sitting down for a cuppa, think of someone who is at risk of social isolation and give them a call.”

He highlighted that whether it’s a neighbour, family member or friend, the association wants people to pick up the phone and #CallThemForACuppa.

Contact

“There are people in Ireland who now face weeks, perhaps months, with minimal social contact, or in some cases none at all,” he said.

“The sheds were set up to, among other things, help deal with social isolation for men, and so we are intimately aware of this issue. Isolation is an everyday issue across the whole of Ireland. Now with the coronavirus it’s a crisis. We have to act together to lessen the impact of social isolation on the health of our older neighbours, relatives and friends.”

While all men’s sheds across Ireland are temporarily closed, they continue to connect with one another through alternative means such as checking in through phone, text and WhatsApp. The sheds are also operating a ‘buddy system’, whereby one member is responsible for checking in with another, ensuring that shed members are not isolated during this difficult time.

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