- Loneliness Minister Stuart Andrew hosts a meeting at 10 Downing Street to discuss loneliness among young people
- Supported by prominent media personalities including former Made in Chelsea star Josh Patterson and influencer and entrepreneur Bronte King
- Stars back launch of government campaign to tackle stigma around loneliness
EastEnders star Bobby Brasier and Love Island finalist Tasha Ghori have joined the ranks of TV personalities and social media personalities campaigning to normalize loneliness among young people as part of a new government campaign. I’m one of the influencers.
Research shows that 16 to 24-year-olds are the loneliest age group, and also the least likely to take action to help themselves. Figures show almost half of students admit they have hidden feelings of loneliness for fear of being judged.
In response, the Government is embarking on the next stage of a digitally-led campaign to tackle the stigma of loneliness among young people.
The video content will be distributed over six weeks on social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, and will show how people experience loneliness in everyday situations such as being away from home or scrolling through social media. is shown.
The clip features the campaign’s new strap line, “Loneliness.” it’s part of life. Let’s Talk About It” aims to normalize loneliness and generate conversation about the topic to reduce stigma.
Ahead of the campaign’s launch, Loneliness Minister Stuart Andrew held a meeting at 10 Downing Street and asked for free help from celebrities who have a combined 8.7 million followers across platforms.
Bronte King, Bobby Brazier, and Tasha Ghori are joined by Bradley Riches, star of Netflix’s Heartstoppers, and social media influencer Anastasia Kingsnorth to share their personal experiences and thoughts on the subject. We talked about it.
Stuart Andrew, Minister for Loneliness, said:
Young people are known to be the age group most affected by loneliness, but they are also the least likely to take action to support themselves.
Our latest campaign encourages young people to talk about their experiences, with the aim of breaking down the stigma that prevents people from receiving support.
Everyone should know that they are not alone and that help is available.
Roundtable participants offered their opinions on the causes of loneliness, talked about their own personal experiences, and suggested ways to help themselves if they feel lonely, such as joining a hobby or club or inviting friends. and suggested ways to support friends and family. Chat while drinking tea or coffee.
Actor and model Bobby Brazier:
Modern life can be very isolating, so we all feel lonely at times throughout our lives.
That’s why it’s so important to me to be part of this campaign, and to show that it’s okay and encouraged to talk about how we feel.
Actor Bradley Riches said:
This campaign is very important to me. Because as an autistic and queer person, I have felt extremely alone throughout my life.
When we think of loneliness, we often think of older people, but no one talks about how young people feel lonely.
This campaign helps create a space for people to get support and break down stigma, as everyone will feel alone at some point in their lives.
Influencer and entrepreneur Bronte King said:
Since starting a community to support girls during and after college, I’ve seen first-hand how common loneliness really is among 16- to 24-year-olds.
The first year of college and the beginning of graduate school can be a really lonely time. That’s why it’s so important to be part of this campaign to make loneliness more of a topic and give people the space to realize that feeling lonely is normal, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.
Media personality Tasha Ghori said:
I am proud to be participating in the Loneliness Campaign on behalf of deaf people. It’s important to speak up whenever you feel lonely and make it a habit to have open conversations. By doing so, more people will be saved.
From my own personal experience, being deaf and having a cochlear implant can be isolating at times, and opening up and talking about how you are feeling can be an internal struggle. I needed to find support to guide me, which is much better than keeping it hidden.
Social media influencer Anastasia Kingsnorth said:
Loneliness is a feeling that everyone experiences at some point, and it is very important to understand that you are not alone in feeling it.
The hardest part may be admitting it, but admitting it to yourself and then telling others is a big step in fighting loneliness. Everyone should know that it’s okay to feel that way.
The video clips and campaign activities signpost people to pages on the Better Health: Every Mind Matters Loneliness website, where people can find support and advice on how to help others, as well as support routes to reduce feelings of loneliness. You can find information about.
Discord, the gaming industry’s online communication platform, will also support the campaign by directing users to resources on the Every Mind Matters website. As part of its campaign efforts, Discord will host a series of polls for its online community in March to help build supportive conversations around tackling loneliness.
The latest phase of the campaign will take place in September 2023 and will target students preparing for Freshers’ Week, as research shows loneliness is something almost all students experience.
Since the government pledged to tackle the stigma of loneliness in 2018, campaign efforts have reached at least 25 million people across the country, including those most at risk of loneliness.
Since 2018, the Government and its partners have invested more than £80m in tackling loneliness, including up to £30m allocated through the Know Your Neighborhood Fund, and We are creating opportunities and helping to reduce loneliness in 27 disadvantaged communities.
Note to editors:
- If you need support or advice about loneliness, search for ‘Loneliness Every Mind Matters’.
- Previous ambassadors and supporting partners for the campaign include the Prince and Princess of Wales, Tinder, the world’s number one dating app, and Youth Mental Health Ambassador Dr Alex George.
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The campaign toolkit includes new campaign assets, key messages, and recommended social media copy.
- The Government is supporting young people through the National Youth Guarantee, ensuring all young people have access to regular clubs and activities, adventures and volunteering opportunities away from home by 2025. This is supported by her investment of over £500m, of which £300m will fund the construction or refurbishment of youth centers through the Youth Investment Fund.
- Since its establishment, the Youth Investment Fund has donated more than £250 million to 227 organizations.
