Jo Cox legacy encouraging people to give a little kindness to others this Christmas

After a year like no other, 2020 is coming to a close and Christmas is a time to reflect and think of others.

The Covid-19 pandemic has kept families, friends and communities apart since March, taking its toll on people’s physical and mental well-being.

But with a Covid-19 vaccine starting to be rolled out to the most vulnerable there is real hope for the future and people are being urged to come together - virtually if not in person - to offer help, support and kindness over the festive period.

The Great Winter Get Together, inspired by the late Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox, runs until January 18 and its theme this year is tackling loneliness.

More than nine million people in the UK say they are always or often lonely and the pandemic has increased isolation for those who feel it most.

The Great Winter Get Together aims to combat loneliness by connecting people.

That connection can’t be a hug or even a shared cuppa in front of the fire but there are other ways people can tackle the stigma of loneliness and make a meaningful difference to someone’s life.

The Great Winter Get Together has developed five themes over five weeks to encourage people to come together.

Say Thanks - drop a note or a postcard to a local hero. It might be an NHS worker down your street or a neighbour who has helped out with the shopping.

Reach Out - get in touch with someone you’ve lost touch with. It could be a relative, an old friend or colleague or someone you met at school. It’s amazing how people feel so much better knowing someone cares.

Show You Care - give a little kindness. Even a small act of kindness can make a big difference, and inspire others to spread some kindness too.

Understand Loneliness - loneliness shouldn’t be a taboo subject and there shouldn’t be a stigma. Everyone feels lonely at some time in their life.

Help Out - if you can, why not consider volunteering? The Royal Voluntary Service has lots of ideas. Why not become a telephone befriender to someone isolated at home.