“Lockdown lonely” is an official phenomenon according to the Office of National Statistics, and it impacted around 7.4 million of us during last year’s lockdown.
England is now in its third lockdown and the amount of people suffering from isolation is expected to rise because of this.
However, a former football star has decided to do something to help…
Tottenham Hotspur legend, Micky Hazard, was aware of the amount of people struggling with loneliness and wanted to offer support.
He said: “It must be really hard for anyone with mental health problems living in lockdown right now.
“But never hesitate to talk to someone. You can call me. I’m here for you, I’ll talk to you.”
He went on to say: “If you can help someone feel better, that in turn makes you feel better. But kindness shouldn’t be praised. We need to make kindness the norm, so that everyone acts in a kind and caring way.”
Like Micky, many charities have continued operate throughout the pandemic to help those living with loneliness.
New Directions, a charity based in Rugby, Warwickshire, have offered people the opportunity to see family outside of their household in a COVID-secure pod to combat loneliness.
Abigail Head, media officer at New Directions, said: “It’s a phenomenal thing to be able to offer to people.
“We’re all feeling pressure right now, but everyone is coping in the best way that they can and we’re all coping together. I think that helps to combat the feeling of loneliness.”