Our new project to combat loneliness during Covid-19 has a name – You Me Us – courtesy of Sittingbourne resident John Greenhill.
John, former Chair of Swale Seniors Forum, who also took part in Ideas Test’s Young At HeArt project in 2017, came up with the title, which the Ideas Test team instantly fell in love with.
“We were delighted to name the project You Me Us after our community champion John suggested something that would capture the aims of our project to address loneliness through creativity.”
Ideas Test’s Director, Lucy Medhurst
Why we created You Me Us…
You Me Us is set to combat loneliness in Medway and Swale, particularly during Covid-19, by commissioning artists to make and create art with people who identify as lonely or isolated.
According to The Office for National Statistics, 2.6 million adults in Great Britain felt lonely between 6 April to 6 May 2020.
Working with local community groups across Medway and Swale, our project will bring together artists and those who are lonely and isolated, using creativity to make connections.
You Me Us will run between Spring and June 2021.
“Once again Ideas Test is here for the communities of Medway and Swale and is addressing the problems of loneliness and isolation, matters which are detrimentally affecting all age groups particularly in the present difficult and distressing times.
In providing a programme devoted not only to the highlighting of these matters there is so much in it to help to assist and alleviate them and to demonstrate that they are very much matters affecting You, Me, Us.”
John Greenhill, on the project and his title for it.
How can people get involved?
“You Me Us is designed with and for the people of Medway and Swale, and we are delighted that our neighbours, friends and partners have been so involved in putting it together.
As the name suggests, this project is for everyone in Medway and Swale – you, me and all of us – to meet, create and share in a safe and supportive environment.”
You Me Us Project Manager, Kasia Senyszyn
People will be recommended to take part in You Me Us by three voluntary groups in Medway and Swale including;
- Medway Voluntary Action (Medway)
- wHoo Cares (Hoo Peninsula, Medway)
- Swale CVS (Sittingbourne)
Keep an eye on our social media for news on ways to get involved on Facebook and to find out which artists have been chosen for You Me Us.