New survey by PG tips in support of Samaritans Brew Monday looks at the far-reaching impact of loneliness
Many people of all age groups feel lonely. In a world where digital interactions are replacing face-to-face meet-ups. People move away from home to pursue work and careers. It’s no surprise that many of us feel lonely. I didn’t ever think that I would feel lonely. I have always worked in Marketing, PR and events and worked in sociable industries. Living with housemates rather than by myself. Yet there have been many a time when in London, I have caught myself feeling lonely. A WhatsApp chat isn’t the same as being with someone.
PG Tips have released its research findings in support of Samaritans Brew Monday. Encouraging people to spend some time with each other over a brew.
Research findings:
- 25-34-year-olds experience the highest levels of loneliness (82%)
- The issue of loneliness is prevalent across all age groups.
- More than half of Brits (52%) believe there is a stigma attached to being lonely
- 9 in 10 (87%) of those surveyed said that having a face-to-face catch-up over a cup of tea would help them feel less lonely
- Two-thirds of Brits (64%) have felt lonely in the past year
PG tips join the Samaritans ‘celebritea’ supporters to encourage the nation to come together over a warming cuppa
Commissioned by PG tips in support of Samaritans Brew Monday. The study sheds new light on the far-reaching impact of loneliness, its causes, and how people can overcome it.
Whilst 25-34-year olds reported the highest levels of loneliness, with 82% of respondents saying they had felt lonely in the past year. The study has shown the issue affects people of all ages in all areas of the UK.
Major life changes, such as becoming a new parent, bereavement or moving to a new area, were all identified as key factors attributing to people’s loneliness.
The survey also highlighted that more than half of Brits (52%) say they are less likely to admit to being lonely because there is a stigma attached.
However, 9 in 10 (87%) said getting together over a cup of tea would help them feel less lonely. PG tips pledged its support to Samaritans Brew Monday. A fundraising initiative that encourages people to come together over a cuppa.
Samaritans Brew Monday encourages us to have a brew and chat
Samaritans volunteers will give away free PG tips teabags to commuters passing through train stations across the country today. Keep an eye out for them!
Turning the idea of ‘Blue Monday’ on its head into something positive. Samaritans Brew Monday encourages people to get together with family, friends or colleagues for a chat and a warming cuppa throughout January and February.
Taking the time to listen to another person can help through a tough time. Having a brew together is a great excuse to do just that. People can use their get-togethers to raise money for Samaritans, so someone having a tough time has somewhere to turn.
Samaritans ‘celebritea’ supporters
Brew Monday has the backing of British stars, including Dame Julie Walters, former Bake Off contestant Michael Chakraverty and comedian Rachel Parris.
“Talking is really important – to get it out of your head and into the atmosphere and for someone to witness that, is important in life. I’m supporting Brew Monday as I believe we need to listen, notice and talk to people. It isn’t a problem to talk about how you are feeling, and things won’t get out of control if anything it will dissipate. It’s about not being afraid to approach somebody and noticing what’s happening around you.”
Dame Julie Walters
“During practice for Bake Off I felt very lonely, as I’d be holed up in my kitchen baking. My close friends that knew I was on the show really lifted my spirits with small acts of kindness like dropping by with home-cooked meals. Their support lifted me out of my loneliness, finding small moments of laughter and calm connections with those I’m close to.”
Great British Bake Off’s Michael Chakraverty has also pledged his support to the campaign
“With two-thirds of the population having experienced loneliness in the last year, there are at least 9 million people feeling lonely on any given day and we will all experience it at some point in our lives. We want everyone to feel open in talking about loneliness and that is why PG tips is proud to support Samaritans Brew Monday and together we’re encouraging the nation to reach out to anyone who might be affected by the issue.”
Fiachra Moloney, Director of Tea at Unilever UK
This is the first in a series of activities PG tips are supporting in 2020 via partnerships with Samaritans, Time to Change and The Big Lunch. The brand has also launched a national advertising campaign to encourage the nation to get together over a cup of tea.
Check out what else is going on in London
The West End show of the BAFTA-winning film Touching the Void supports Brew Monday with a ticketed pre-theatre celebrity panel talk at the Duke of York theatre on 20 January. The discussion will be introduced by Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland before the show. All proceeds from the night will be donated to Samaritans.
How can you contact the Samaritans?
Samaritans is a charity, and it’s the public’s kind donations and more than 20,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support us or volunteer with us.
Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch, where you can talk to one of our trained volunteers face to face.
