Pupils help arrange huge party for the lonely on Christmas Eve
SCHOOL PUPILS have been helping a Leeds charity organise a huge party that will bring together more than 200 lonely people on Christmas Eve as part of a project to tackle loneliness during the holiday season.
Anyone experiencing loneliness, of any age, is able to apply for tickets to the event at Leeds Corn Exchange, which is being hosted by youth empowerment charity Angel of Youths.
The charity, which is based close to the city’s historic Corn Exchange in New Market Street, first became aware of the devastating blight of loneliness when it took part in the Leeds Great Get Together, which was held in memory of murdered Batley MP Jo Cox on Briggate in June.
Chief executive Marvina Newton said the issue kept “niggling away at her” the more she read, and she was moved to do more.
“The research on the extent of loneliness took my breath away,” she said. “Loneliness has so many faces. It is often portrayed as being an issue that only affects older people, but it can affect anyone. Being involved in the Great Get Together made me reflect on my own life.
“As a single mum with two children, even as a high-achieving executive, I still get lonely. I want to show that loneliness can be felt by people of any age, from a sixyear-old to a young man, to anyone.
“That’s why it was important to us to open the event to anyone who might feel lonely.”
Teams of young people from Notre Dame and Roundhay sixth form colleges and Leeds City College have been helping Angel of Youths with the heady task of raising £5,000 in sponsorship to put on the event.
Ms Newton said: “It’s at this time of year that loneliness can really hit hardest.”
has been campaigning to highlight the devastating health effects of loneliness, which can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, since 2014.
Throughout the campaign, we have encouraged our readers to do their bit by volunteering for support services, and worked to shine a light on the support available for those who need it.
Angel of Youths is still accepting monetary donations to help run the event.
For more details about the charity, visit www.angelofyouths. com.