The Great Winter Get Together (12-15 January), a campaign run by The Jo Cox Foundation, will see community events across the UK act as places where people can find meaningful connection, inspired by the late Jo Cox MP and her work to tackle loneliness.
While December is often a time of busy schedules and making social plans, January can be a difficult and isolating month for many, with fewer opportunities for connection after the festive period has come to an end.
Beginning this Friday (12th) and culminating on so-called Blue Monday (15th), Great Winter Get Together events will be providing opportunities for communities to come together and make meaningful connections.
97% of participants in last year’s Great Winter Get Together reported improved mental health and wellbeing, with 78% saying they felt less lonely.
This weekend, the events taking place across the UK include:
- A Great Cricket Get Together in Glamorgan, South Wales, with the cricket club visiting local primary schools to help students to connect.
- A ‘Craft, Craic and a Cuppa’ event in Belfast to help beat the winter blues.
- The National Trust in Manchester opening up their new Guidance Hub Garden for people to enjoy food, hot drinks and activities.
- Monica Lennon MSP in Hamilton, Scotland, hosting people for tea, coffee and home baking at a local church.
- 25 events at GLL leisure centres across the UK, including free community sports sessions and social walks.
Su Moore, CEO of The Jo Cox Foundation, said:
“It’s crucial that we ensure there are accessible and inclusive opportunities for people to connect with others in their communities throughout the year, but especially in January when the days are still cold and dark. We’re encouraging everyone to go along to their nearest Great Winter Get Together this weekend, particularly if you are feeling isolated.”
Rt Hon Jacqui Smith, Chair of The Jo Cox Foundation, said:
“The Great Winter Get Together is inspired by Jo Cox’s passion for strengthening communities and improving the UK’s response to the loneliness crisis. Each year we are inspired by all those people who volunteer their time to organise an event in their community and thank them for their efforts, because we see the remarkable impact that these Great Winter Get Togethers can have on people’s wellbeing.”
From board games afternoons, to craft workshops and winter walks, anyone can participate in the Great Winter Get Together this January.