More in Common launch Connection Coalition in battle against loneliness

More in Common are a voluntary organisation that came together following the murder of Jo Cox MP in June 2016.

The organisation has had to reorganise many of their upcoming events, including the annual Great Get Together in June, forcing them to get creative with their digital and volunteer resources.

Kim Leadbeater, Jo’s sister and Ambassador and Director of More in Common Batley and Spen said: “We’ve had a big rethink about how we can be helpful during this time. We are creating a ‘Connection Coalition’ to help people stay in touch and prevent loneliness.

"It all stems back to a lot of Jo’s work, we want to keep people connected and share stories of ways that people are looking after themselves and keeping in touch with loved ones.”

Part of their Connection Coalition is uplifting ‘More In Common Hour’ on Twitter, where people can share their positive stories, remember happier times and look forward to things on the horizon. The sessions take place on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm.

“The difficult part of all of this is that nobody knows where we are going to be in a few weeks time. First and foremost this is a huge tragedy, lots of people are going to die or lose loved ones, so it’s so important that we follow guidelines.

“With that in mind, we’ve had to cancel the Great Get Together in its traditional format but we’re working on creative ways of hosting it. The digital world is going to be key to keeping us connected in the upcoming weeks. Although we cant get together per se, we can still be together.”

The group have been working with community groups and Kirklees Council, helping them find new volunteers to distribute food and hygiene packages to vulnerable members of the community.

"Jo’s words have never been more true and sometimes it takes a horrible situation to realise just how powerful our community is. The More in Common groups have really come into their own and so many people have come forward to help those in need in our area.”

It is not just in our hospitals where hard graft is needed to keep the country going.

We all have a part to play during these difficult times. What are you doing to support our NHS #healthheroes, carers, shopkeepers, pharmacists, delivery drivers and key workers in the battle against coronavirus and keeping our communities going? Share your stories and pictures with us at [email protected].