Lonely need more than video calls says sister of murdered MP Jo Cox making 5-step winter appeal

Looking out for the lonely this winter doesn't just mean relying on video calls, says the sister of murdered MP Jo Cox, who has launched the 'Great Winter Get Together' to encourage everyone to stay connected with people in their communities who may feel alone this winter.

The Great Winter Get Together (14 December – 18 January) has been organised by the Jo Cox Foundation, which was established by friends and family of the late Jo Cox.

Jo Cox’s sister Kim Leadbetter said: “We’re asking people to face loneliness together over the next five weeks. “We’ve all become used to speaking to each other over Zoom or Facetime.

"It’s also important to remember not everyone is online or tech-savvy and there is no substitute for a real-life smile or friendly ‘how are you?’, even if it’s through a window or from the end of the garden path.”

Over 9 million people in the UK say they are always or often lonely.

The Jo Cox Foundation said: “This year has been particularly difficult, with lockdown and social distancing having exacerbated feelings of isolation for many people.

“It has also exposed more people than we could have imagined to the experience and concept of loneliness.

“Connection is one way we can face loneliness. It can happen in many different ways, including joining virtual events, supporting a neighbour or reaching out to an old friend. This winter, the Great Get Together wants to reduce loneliness and reduce stigma by building connection.”

Jo Cox, former Labour MP for Batley and Spen, had been working on how loneliness can be reduced in the country but her efforts ended when she was killed on 16 June 2016.

The mother of two died after being shot and stabbed in Birstall, West Yorkshire, shortly before she was due to hold a constituency surgery.

In her first speech to parliament on 3 June 2015, Jo Cox said: “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.”

The winter campaign was inspired by the late Jo Cox to bring people together to celebrate what they have in common. The campaign asks people across the country to make connections, tackle local issues and bridge divides.

The Great Winter Get Together campaign has 5 steps:

1) Say Thanks 14- 20 December

Thank someone who has helped you this year, such as a kind neighbour or inspiring NHS worker. A small token of appreciation such as a thank you card can have a big impact.

2) Reach Out 21- 27 December

Reach out to someone you’ve lost touch with, perhaps an old friend, colleague or loved one and rekindle those connections.

3) Show you care 28 December- 3 January

Show you care with kind actions that bring a smile to people’s faces this winter.

4) Understand Loneliness 4-10 January

To address the stigma around loneliness and mental health, learn more about loneliness to help yourself and those around you. Download the Understanding Loneliness Toolkit.

5) Help Out 11-17 January

Help those who need it the most, particularly those who are elderly or shielding. Whether it’s an hour, evening or more that you can volunteer. Download the Helping Others Toolkit