- Vogue Williams, Nick Grimshaw, Ovie Soko, Eden Harvey, Judi Love and All on the Board join WhatsApp and the Jo Cox Foundation’s Connection Coalition to smash the stigma of loneliness and encourage Brits to reconnect this festive season
WhatsApp and the Connection Coalition want to smash the stigma around loneliness and encourage people across the UK to reconnect with friends and family this Christmas. Championed by a host of celebrities that defy the normal stereotypes of loneliness, the #FaceOfLoneliness campaign shows that loneliness affects people of all ages, from all walks of life.
Vogue Williams, Nick Grimshaw, Ovie Soko, Eden Harvey, and Judi Love are among those joining the campaign to dismantle stereotypes and encourage Brits to scroll their WhatsApp chat roll to check in with friends and family, or to find the help and support they need from places like the Loneliness Advice chatbot.
WhatsApp and the Connection Coalition’s Loneliness Advice chatbot is a simple and secure way for people to access reliable and anonymous advice and support in tackling loneliness from trusted organisations, such as the Jo Cox Foundation.
“Jo Cox wanted to turbo-charge the public understanding of loneliness in the UK. In her name, the Foundation continues to champion the issue, encouraging people to talk more openly about their experiences of loneliness and in doing so, reducing the stigma associated with it. We know that, for some, feelings of loneliness can be amplified over the festive season. That’s why we’re delighted to be working with WhatsApp to provide access to support, help and advice from our Connection Coalition partners through the chatbot.”
— Su Moore, CEO at The Jo Cox Foundation.
Those experiencing loneliness, or worried about others who appear to be struggling can simply WhatsApp “Hi” to 07902 922 908 to use the chatbot and access helpful advice and resources from organisations including the Marmalade Trust, Jo Cox Foundation, Age UK, The Mix, The British Red Cross and #EveryMindMatters.
“Technology has helped us stay connected, even when we’ve been apart. But with so many feeling lonely, we know this Christmas is going to be tough. And not just for the people you might expect to be struggling. By showing the many faces of loneliness we’re hoping to encourage the two billion people that use WhatsApp to be part of making this Christmas less lonely for others. So scroll your contact list and reach out to old friends. You never know who might be in need of a message.”
— Kathryn Harnett, Policy Manager at WhatsApp