The Wolfpack Project Launch Campaign to Combat Winter Loneliness

The Wolfpack Project have launched a winter campaign to help young people fight loneliness and make connections with others.

The Sherwood-based charity, which aims to tackle isolation in young adults, is encouraging people to discuss their mental health by opening up phone lines to those who are in need of someone to talk to. 

They will also offer the opportunity to socialise through groups, events, and community building workshops, and will be delivering festive wellbeing packs to young residents at Nottinghamshire YMCA’s homeless hostel, over the next month.

This follows the release of several surveys from youth charities across the country which have shown that younger people have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic - with this only likely to get worse during winter. 

Founder and CEO of The Wolfpack Project, Damien Reynolds, said: “Loneliness among young people is a silent pandemic. While we often associate it with older people who live on their own, people aged 16-24 are three times more likely to report feeling lonely than those aged over 65. The Wolfpack Project is needed now more than ever; young people coming out of lockdown, and potentially facing another over the winter months are feeling chronic loneliness like never before.

“One in four have experienced mental health issues related to career prospects, education, and forming social connections.  We hope that our winter campaign will encourage young people to talk about their mental health and to reach out to us if they feel lonely.”

The charity will look to continue their support in the new year by working with several local venues and independent businesses, including Das Kino, Broadway Cinema, and Nottingham Playhouse, to hold more social groups for those feeling isolated. 

If you are 16-35 and are struggling with loneliness, or know someone else who might be, you can contact The Wolfpack Project at [email protected] or find out more at their website.