Campaign aims to show young people they are not alone

The next phase of a campaign tackling the stigma of youth loneliness has been launched.

Research from the Co-op Foundation found the lockdown earlier this year made even more young people feel lonely.

Lonely Not Alone asks everyone to show they care about youth loneliness by wearing ye l l ow s o c k s a n d s h a r i n g their ‘Outfit of the Day’ on social media with #OOTDYellowSocks.

Young people who made t h e c a m p a i g n s ay ye l l o w socks are their symbol of solidarity when they feel lonely and look to the floor.

The campaign was made by a group of 12 to 22-yearo l d s wo rk i n g togeth e r o n Zoom during lockdown who all had different experiences of loneliness.

R e s ea rc h o f 2 ,0 0 0 te n to 25-year-olds across the UK found 73 per cent in the North East felt lonely occasionally during the March to July lockdown compared to 48 per cent before restrictions began.

Today, 61 per cent in the North East say they are lonely at least occasionally.

Lonely Not Alone is funded by Co-op's charity, the Co-op Foundation.

Jamie Ward-Smith, Chair o f t h e C o - o p Fo u n d at i o n said: “Lonely Not Alone is an important part of our longterm commitment to helping young people beat loneliness.

"Working through a period that’s been so unsettling and challenging for everyone, it’s been inspiring to see our young co-designers step up to produce such a powerful campaign.

"And it’s really easy to get involved and show your support. Let's make sure young people know that even though they might be lonely, they’re not alone.”

www.lonelynotalone.org