A member of the Marlow Chamber of Commerce has admitted that she is worried about the mental wellbeing of those who live in the town and beyond, due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Jo Braybrooke, who is the secretary for the MCoC, revealed to the Free Press that human interaction is ‘important’, and she hopes people will continue to talk to each other during lockdown.
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She said: “When we [her husband Rod], had our café on the Marlow High Street, men who worked from home, would come in and have a cup of coffee to see that life was still going on because they weren’t speaking to anybody.
"I understand that people are using emails but everyone needs to speak to somebody and if possible, have a giggle, a laugh, a bit of fun just to speak to someone.
"People need to communicate with an actual person because with emails, you're not actually talking to person on the other side.
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“People would come into the cafe to talk about anything, so talk to people over the phone or shout to someone over the road.”
Following the Government's decision to put the country on lockdown on March 23, some people have expressed their frustration in not being able to meet friends and family.
Those who have elderly parents or relatives have been told to stay away whilst the coronavirus continues to spread.
And following the extension of the country's lockdown on April 16, there are rumours circulating that this too could be extended.
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However, despite not being able to socialise physically, many people have taken to video chats and streaming services to communicate and see their loved ones.
Jo continued: "Human interaction is so important as we're a social animal so we need to talk to people over the phone or see them through a video.
"We have an elderly aunt who is 98 and she always says, 'it's lovely to hear from you even though it's only for a few minutes'.
"That's why we've got to talk to people over the phone or via a webcam/video.
"Because thinking about the mental wellbeing for people makes me worried'.
If you are feeling worried or anxious, call your loved ones or Samaritans on 116 123.
Samaritans are open 24/7.
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