United Kingdom: Celebrities and social media influencers, have teamed up to support the UK government’s Downing Street campaign, aimed at combating the stigma of loneliness among young people.
Love Island finalist Tasha Ghouri, EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, Heartstopper actor Bradley Riches, and social media influencers Bronte King and Anastasia Kingsnorth are teaming up in a new government campaign that is aimed at normalising loneliness among young people.
According to research, individuals between the ages of 16 to 24 are the most affected by loneliness. However, they are also the least likely to take steps to overcome it. Studies indicate that almost half of students have concealed their feelings of loneliness due to the fear of being judged. In response to the issue of loneliness among young people, the government is launching the next phase of its digital campaign to tackle the stigma surrounding it.
A six-week video content will be displayed on social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. These videos will showcase people experiencing loneliness in everyday situations like going out and scrolling through social media feeds. The campaign’s new strapline is “Loneliness. It’s a part of life. Let’s talk about it.”
A meeting was held at 10 Downing Street by Loneliness Minister Stuart Andrew ahead of the campaign launch. High-profile figures are sought for help on a pro bono basis by 8.7 million followers across platforms. During the meeting, participants shared their thoughts and experiences regarding loneliness.
Minister for Loneliness Stuart Andrew said that, “We know that young people are the age group most affected by loneliness but they’re also the least likely to take action to support themselves. Our latest campaign will encourage young people to talk about their experiences, aiming to break down the stigma that so often prevents people from getting support. Everyone should know they are not alone and help is available.”
Actor and model Bobby Brazier stated that, “Everyone feels lonely at points throughout their life because modern life can be very isolating. That’s why being part of this campaign is so important to me, to show that it’s okay and encouraged to talk about our feelings.”
“This campaign is extremely important to me because, as an autistic and queer individual, I have found myself extremely lonely at points throughout my life. I think when people think of loneliness, they often think of older people, yet no one really talks about young people feeling lonely. This campaign is helping to create a space for people to get support and break down the stigma, because in life everyone will feel lonely at some point,” actor Bradley Riches added.
Influencer and entrepreneur Brontë King remarked that, “After starting a community to support girls during and after university, I have seen first-hand how common loneliness really is among 16 to 24 year olds. From that first year of university to navigating post grad life, it really can be a lonely period of time. That’s why being part of this campaign, making loneliness more of a talked about topic and giving people space to realise these feelings are normal, is so important and something I am so proud to be a part of.”
Media personality Tasha Ghouri commented that, “I’m proud to be a part of the loneliness campaign from the deaf representation side. It’s important to speak out whenever we feel lonely and normalise having these open conversations as it will help so many more people out there! From my own personal experiences being deaf and wearing a cochlear implant, it can be isolating at times and I had to look for support to guide me through, opening up and talking about how you feel does so much more good than letting it in.”
“Loneliness is a feeling that everyone has experienced at some stage, and it’s so important to understand that you are not alone in that feeling. The hardest part can be admitting it, but admitting it yourself, then speaking to someone else, is a big step in combating loneliness. Everyone should know it’s okay to feel that way,” Social media influencer, Anastasia Kingsnorth said.
The latest phase of the campaign targeted students preparing for freshers’ week in September 2023. Research shows loneliness is a common experience for students. Since the government pledged to tackle loneliness in 2018, at least 25 million people have been reached by campaigns across the country, including those most at risk of loneliness.
Over the past three years, the government and its partners have invested more than £80 million in addressing loneliness. This includes up to £30 million that has been allocated through the ‘Know Your Neighbourhood Fund’. This fund is designed to create opportunities for volunteering and to help individuals in 27 underprivileged areas reduce their loneliness.
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