“I found different ways of reaching out in the community," Bob's journey out of lockdown.

‘Nicest thing about lockdown is people have become more friendly.'

Bob is sociable and has always had an interest in helping others, and so despite the restrictions during lockdown, he found the experience manageable because he was able to adapt the way he socialized and support his local community. “I found different ways of reaching out in the community,” Bob said. “I was helping with befriending calls, collecting prescriptions and food parcels for people. I’m also in a choir which went online during lockdown.”

Bob is a trustee for North Bristol Advice Centre (NBAC) where he assists with the strategic work of the charity; he has been particularly impressed by the centre’s work in reaching out to people who are digitally excluded. NBAC has been running remote digital classes, supporting people to learn how to access the online world, something that has been vital in the last year and half of social distancing.

Bob’s favourite activity after lockdown began to lift, was running two pop up cafes, one at the Old Library and one at Lockleaze Neighborhood Trust – where Bob is also a trustee. “The nicest thing about lockdown is people have become more friendly, you say ‘good morning’ and now more people reply. I think people like that social interaction.”

Bob has been encouraging his friends and neighbors to reconnect and getting out again post-lockdown. “It can be simple things to start with like opening your door, getting the fresh air in so you aren’t boxed in. Going for a walk down the road. Some of my friends are disabled so I’ve offered to push their wheelchairs. It’s good when you can offer a helping hand to someone else.”

Bob’s story is a part of Age UK Bristol and the Support Hub’s ‘One Small Step to Reconnect’ campaign, supporting and empowering people over 50 to reconnect with their community and rebuild their confidence in going out again post-lockdown. To find out more about the services on offer from North Bristol Advice Centre, visit their website: http://www.northbristoladvice.org.uk/our-services