Brits are being urged to befriend someone who is lonely this winter as research shows almost four million Britons are classed as chronically lonely – up from 2.6 million in 2020. The Campaign to End Loneliness and the Office of National Statistics found that the number rose significantly during the pandemic lockdown, while the cost-of-living crisis is forcing people to stay at home to save cash.
Robin Hewings, of the Campaign to End Loneliness, told the Mirror: “Covid had a seismic impact on feelings of loneliness and that hasn’t gone. The cost-of-living crisis will make it harder to reconnect with friends and family as money worries make people less likely to go out.”
Charities are calling on people to sign up to local befriending schemes and visit those in need of company for a cuppa and a chat. Mr Hewings added: “Now, more than ever, befriending can be a low-cost lifeline.”
