Loneliness is estimated to kill more people than obesity* and according to experts is as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day**.
To help combat this, Northsound 1 is calling on the local community to sign up as befrienders and support some of society’s loneliest individuals with the launch of its campaign #TaketheTime.
The station has teamed up with Befriending Networks, the country’s leading resource on befriending, to encourage kind-hearted listeners to become befrienders.
Just last month, the Scottish Government launched a national strategy to tackle loneliness and isolation***. At the same time, the UK Government announced Tracey Crouch as Minister for Loneliness to address the issue which affects around nine million people across the UK**** ranging from the elderly to young people; people with disabilities, parents of disabled children and the LGBT community.
Lorraine Herbison, Head of News and Sport for Bauer Media Scotland said: “Listeners need only donate a couple of hours each week and in exchange they’ll be transforming the lives of lonely and vulnerable local people.
“Loneliness is a problem that affects all age groups, and throughout this week our news team will be investigating how big an issue it is across the North East of Scotland, talking to a range of people from all kinds of backgrounds.
“We’re urging listeners to #TaketheTime to befriend vulnerable people in society.”
To sign up as a befriender please visit the following page: https://planetradio.co.uk/northsound/local/news/take-the-time/