Share a Mince Pie Moment with lonely folk, say MPs

The Jo Cox Foundation, set up in memory of the murdered Batley MP who was killed in 2016, today held a reception in Westminster to discuss the crisis of loneliness at Christmas.

The campaign is calling on MPs to join the organisation to provide support for constituents who are isolated, especially during the festive period.

Kim Leadbeater, the sister of Jo Cox, attended the reception with dozens of MPs from all parties.

Ms Leadbeater told The Yorkshire Evening Post: “Loneliness was an issue that was close to Jo’s heart, and the progress that has been made to raise awareness of the problem is something she would be very proud of.

“But as a proud Yorkshire lass, Jo would also be very keen to support the amazing individuals and groups across the county who are working hard every day to tackle social isolation and build compassionate communities.

“Reaching out to someone over the festive period can make a real difference and is something we can all do.

“By checking on our neighbours, sharing food and a friendly conversation we can work to ensure that no one feels lonely at Christmas.”

This year the foundation’s Great Christmas Get Together event urges people to share a Mince Pie Moment, which is an excuse to reach out to someone lonely, or have a chat with someone you meet but don’t know.

Meanwhile, new figures have revealed that one in three calls to Samaritans on Christmas Day is from people who feel lonely and isolated.

The Samaritans responded to more than 400,000 calls for help during December 2017. More than 11,000 of those calls for help were made on Christmas Day.