The Association of Convenience Stores is highlighting the vital role that local shops play in alleviating loneliness in communities across the UK as part of a new government campaign.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has launched its new loneliness campaign activity as part of the Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign.
The campaign will run until 13 March and includes advice and tips on how to help yourself or others who may be experiencing loneliness, including keeping in touch with those around you; joining a group; doing things that you enjoy; sharing your feelings; helping someone else to feel connected; and inviting someone along to activities near you.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Local shops operate at the heart of communities across the UK and this means that they are well placed to help alleviate loneliness and support their customers.
“We are encouraging retailers to engage with their colleagues and customers and build on the fantastic work that they’re already doing to tackle loneliness in their communities.”
ACS is a member of the Government’s Employers’ Leadership Group and Tackling Loneliness Hub and is also a founding signatory to the Tackling Loneliness Champions Pledge.
More information about the DCMS campaign is available here.
