One in two disabled people feel lonely
One in five are not connected to the internet, missing out on a simple way to keep in touch with friends and loved ones
Everyone is asked to show solidarity by posting purple pictures
With just four simple steps, more disabled people could get online for Christmas
The UK’s leading disability charity, Leonard Cheshire, is calling on the public to take part in a new social media campaign, raising money to help disabled people get connected with their loved ones at Christmas.
To combat the loneliness around half disabled people feel, LeonardCheshire is asking everyone to show how they see purple, the recognised colour of disability. Posting a purple themed picture, connecting with four friends to do the same, and donating £5, can help a disabled person who feels isolated get online this Christmas.
There are four simple steps to get involved:
- Post a picture incorporating the colour purple
- Use the hashtag #ISeePurple
- Donate £5 to Leonard Cheshire
- Tag four friends to do the same
Just £25 is enough to get a disabled person online. Launching the campaign ahead of International Day of Persons with Disability 2020 (3rdDecember), Leonard Cheshire is inviting the public to show how they see purple, whether that’s through their clothing, make-up, furniture, or just out and about in their day-to-day lives.
The coronavirus pandemic means many of us are feeling more isolated. But for one in two disabled people loneliness can be an everyday reality. One in five people with a disability have no access to the internet. Around half don’t have a computer or smartphone. With lockdown restrictions in place, many disabled people face a lonely Christmas[1].
Hugh Fenn, managing director of UK services at Leonard Cheshire said: “It’s been a tough, and lonely, time for us all. No one has felt the impact of this pandemic more than disabled people.
“Technology can help the people we support keep connected and feel less lonely in these challenging times, which is why our #ISeePurple campaign is raising funds ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd.”
Donations can be made via:
https://www.leonardcheshire.org/get-involved/donate/make-a-donation