LOCKDOWN has left more than half of people living in Scotland dreading the Easter weekend, a new survey has revealed.
The research, released by Specsavers, shows that more than half of those surveyed are not looking forward to the first long weekend of the year – with the 55+ age group who are feeling the most cut-off and miserable.
Staff at Specsavers stores have been working to combat this loneliness, by heading out into their local communities with care packages and assistance.
Susanne Akil, regional chair for Specsavers Scotland, said: ‘It’s no surprise that people are feeling less enthusiastic about this year’s Easter weekend they can’t see the people they would normally see or do all the things that they would usually do.
“The research has shone a light on the very real impact that the lockdown seems to be having, especially with the over-55s; it appears to be increasing their sense of loneliness and isolation during these challenging times.
“This applies even more so to those living with the loss of a key sense, such as vision or hearing.
“They can often feel isolated in the best of circumstances, but at times like this – when people usually spend time together – it will seem much worse, therefore it’s even more important to pick up the phone to a neighbour or arrange a video call with the grandchildren this Easter.”
In order to combat this, Specsavers store staff throughout the country have been reaching out and checking in on them by picking up the phone or dropping round care packages.
Susanne added: ‘It is vital that we keep in touch with our customers, not only to ensure that their eye health and hearing is OK but to help put them at ease in any way that we can during these challenging times.
“For example, Neil Drain, store director for Specsavers in Kirkintilloch, helped a family in self-isolation after their four-month-old baby had a foreign object stuck in his eye.
‘The baby’s parents called Specsavers in Bishopbriggs for advice as they were self-isolating as their three-year-old had symptoms of COVID-19.’
‘Unable to visit the store or their local hospital, Neil, treated the baby on the doorstep of their home.’
