The Jo Cox Foundation’s Great Winter Get Together 2022 begins with the aim of tackling loneliness
AN ANNUAL Jo Cox Foundation campaign to bring people together and reduce the stigma associated with loneliness, the Great Winter Get Together, begins today.
New research from the Foundation, which was put together in memory of the murdered MPs from Batley and Spen, shows that the vast majority of people in the Northwest (78%) still believe there is a stigma around the loneliness, reaching 91%. among young people in the UK.
From January 17, known as “Blue Monday” until January 30, the association will encourage people to take action. This could be starting a conversation with your loved ones or organizing a community event, like a walk.
The new research also shows that only a quarter of Britons (26%) feel comfortable telling a friend or relative that they feel lonely. Yet half of Britons (48%) would feel positive if a friend or relative approached them for help when they were lonely.
Su Moore, CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation, said: “Last year an incredible 3.5 million people across the UK took part in the Great Winter Get Together. At this difficult time of year, we need to have the courage to talk about loneliness, even if it makes us uncomfortable. Our research shows that the most useful way for young people to overcome loneliness is support from friends and family. So we want everyone to know that there is no shame in sharing.
“This is why, from January 17 to 30, we are asking people to get involved in the Grand Rassemblement Hivernal by taking action in their lives. It could be like checking in with a friend who is going through a big life change, bringing up the topic in your new parent group, hosting a walk in your community so people can connect, or just letting someone know who they are. you trust when you feel lonely. Sometimes the “smallest” actions actually make the biggest difference. ”
41-year-old Labor MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in her constituency by far-right extremist Thomas Mair on June 16, 2016.
The Jo Cox Foundation was established in his memory to build a positive legacy and campaigns under the “More in Common” banner with the goal of bringing people together and the vision of a kinder, more compassionate society.
To learn more about the Great Winter Get Together 2022 and get involved, visit greatgettogether.org.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For all the most important updates from across the region delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here.
Do you have a story for us? Contact our press office on [email protected]