‘Can’t forget those at home’: UK’s loneliness minister on writing letters | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

‘Can’t forget those at home’: UK’s loneliness minister on writing letters

Hindustan Times, London | ByPrasun Sonwalkar | Edited by Ashutosh Tripathi
Jun 15, 2020 04:06 PM IST

The initiative is part of ‘Loneliness Awareness Week’ (June 15-19). Letters in the week will have a ‘Let’s Talk Loneliness’ postmark.

The UK’s minister for loneliness - described as the world’s first such minister - on Monday asked people to consider writing to the lonely amid the raging coronavirus pandemic.

Diana Barran, UK’s loneliness minister, posting a letter as part of ‘Loneliness awareness week’. (Photo @dianabarran)
Diana Barran, UK’s loneliness minister, posting a letter as part of ‘Loneliness awareness week’. (Photo @dianabarran)

The portfolio was created by former Prime Minister Theresa May, when she appointed the first such minister in January 2018. The current minister is Diana Barran, a junior minister in the department of gigital, media, culture and sport.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“Writing letters might be a slightly forgotten art but it’s more important than ever to connect with people, and putting pen to paper is an excellent way of making sure our friends, family and neighbours know we’re thinking about them,” said Barran.

“The last few months have brought loneliness to the forefront of our minds. We all have a role in being kind and looking out for each other, and as some of us begin to regain some normality we cannot forget those who may need to stay at home for longer and could be at risk of feeling lonely,” she added.

The initiative is part of ‘Loneliness Awareness Week’ (June 15-19). Letters in the week will have a ‘Let’s Talk Loneliness’ postmark. According to Royal Mail, nearly three quarters of people (74%) feel that writing letters has positive mental health benefits.

 

David Gold of Royal Mail said: “Handwritten correspondence is a very powerful way of connecting and showing someone close that you care; particularly during these difficult and sometimes isolating times”.

A government spokesperson said after creating the first minister for loneliness, the world’s first government loneliness strategy was published in October 2018, containing 60 commitments from nine departments.

The first government fund dedicated to reducing loneliness is worth £11.5 million, supporting 126 projects across England. A #LetsTalkLoneliness campaign was also launched in June 2019 to help raise awareness and tackle stigma.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On