Words by Smiley Team
Chit-Chat , a non-for-profit organisation has been founded with a mission to connect the nation, ensuring no one is isolated from social connection during the pandemic. The project is the creation of two young people - founder Lewis Baxter, aged 21, and the brand designer Matty Hall, aged 22.
Loneliness and social isolation have been a real challenge facing the UK for years, with the COVID-19 pandemic worsening the issue. Their phone line, chit-chat LINE, operates from 9am - 9pm and seven days per week and is coordinated by trained volunteers. The service is designed to be inclusive of all genders, ages, religions, ethnicities, sexualities backgrounds and interests.
Lewis tells us that ‘whilst we are for everyone, our team understands the value of conversation - those living in rural communities or senior citizens appreciate a conversation. We've had a lot of calls from people worried about work or concerned about their studies at university - a good chat always helps!’
Chit-chat is not a support line and if someone has a more complex need or worry, the organisation will signpost them to relevant charities and agencies for specific help.
Lewis had the idea for chit-chat whilst isolating with his sick parents and after chatting with
friends, colleagues and university students about their concerns. Realising that people needed a place to turn to, chat and connect with others, chit-chat's brand was
created in 72 hours and had the phone line established and launched within a week. Initially, the project started with a small team of volunteers that has grown to a team of almost 25 who have taken over 250 calls.
The project secured National Lottery Funding in the first 2 months which enabled the service to continue allowing chit-chat to spread awareness of their important service and encourage more calls.
The people who call vary wildly but Lewis tells us that ‘A significant number of calls are from individuals who either live alone or are senior citizens. We've given our number to care homes too - we've had some calls from lovely care home residents who have been so isolated during this time. Having a little chat with them about their interests: whether it be about culture, art, sport or music - is so rewarding (for both the caller AND our volunteers too).’.
Chit-chat hopes to be able to help alleviate the stress caused by the issues associated with the pandemic going forward, including the issues of loneliness, isolation and poor mental wellbeing. There is lots of uncertainty and worry: for students, for vulnerable residents, small business owners, NHS staff and frontline workers, elderly - for everyone. ‘We've noticed that people really value a good chit-chat and it's been so heart-warming to see the real difference we have made so far!’ adds Lewis.
You can learn more about chit-chat by following them on social media at @chitchatbritain. They are also actively recruiting their next round of chit-chat phone volunteers too and are looking for individuals who have a few hours spare per week to answer calls and chit-chat! To find out more about supporting their work, please email [email protected]
By Ellen Jones
