Did you know?
1 in 5
The amount of people in the UK who report often or always feeling lonely
1/3
The number of UK adults who haven’t had a meaningful conversation in the last week
15 cigarettes/day
The comparable impact that loneliness can have on your health
1. Sign up to Operation Anti-Loneliness for free. Pledge to stream 5, 10 or 20 hours – solo or in a team.
2. Get streaming this March and April. Set a date, grab some mates, and raise money to support people struggling with loneliness.
3. Max out your stream. Head over to our resources section on Discord for stream overlays, social media images and so much more.
Before the pandemic, 1 in 5 people in the UK said they often or always felt lonely. That’s more than 9 million people. And now, feelings of loneliness have only gotten worse.
We believe that no one should struggle with loneliness alone. Our teams provide support services across the UK and help people feel connected to their communities.
The money you raise will help people experiencing loneliness, no matter who they are. Because anyone can feel lonely – regardless of your age or gender, or whether you’re seeking asylum or going through a big life change, like a long-term illness or bereavement.
We need you to help us tackle loneliness in the UK.
Are you ready for the challenge?
How your money helps
£10
could help us run a digital classroom for young people suffering from loneliness and isolation.
£30
could provide a vulnerable person with 3 hours of support from one of our team following their stay in hospital.
£190
could provide a basic smartphone and data package for 3 young refugees, so they stay connected with their family
1 in 5 people in the UK often or always feel alone - let's tackle loneliness together.
How we are supporting people affected by loneliness
Connecting Communities
Our Connecting Communities teams can help people who are feeling anxious, worried or lonely. Our volunteers help people of any age to meet new friends, connect with local activities, and build their confidence.
Supporting people over the phone
We launched a national support line to give people a place to turn for emotional and practical support.
Making digital connections
Tackling Loneliness Digitally is a programme that helps build online connections for people more likely to feel lonely. We can provide phones so people can stay in contact with their loved ones, along with training sessions to run people through the basics of using technology and how to connect online.
Helping people help themselves
Our range of free online resources help empower people who may be feeling lonely by providing them with tools to build confidence, learn coping skills and make connections.
If you are feeling lonely, please know that you are not alone. The British Red Cross is here to help you. If you are affected by loneliness or know someone who needs help, please visit https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-with-loneliness .
Top fundraisers
Our Supporters
FAQs
The campaign
What is this about?
We are running a streaming campaign to raise money for our work around loneliness.
What is this raising money for?
Loneliness is a theme which cuts across all of our work, so the funds raised are for our UK work. See below for examples of our loneliness work in the UK.
What are you doing to respond to loneliness in the UK?
Our Connecting Communities service is designed to help people make new friends, connect with local activities, rediscover interests and find new ones, and build confidence.
Tackling Loneliness Digitally is a programme that helps build online connections for people more likely to feel lonely. We can provide phones so people can stay in contact with their loved ones, along with training sessions to run people through the basics of using technology and how to connect online.
We have developed a range of online resources to help empower people who may be feeling lonely, and provide them with tools to build confidence, coping skills and connections. All of our resources are free and can be found at www.redcross.org.uk/loneliness-resources (offline materials are also available).
I feel lonely. Can I get help?
Of course. If you are feeling lonely, please know that you are not alone. The British Red Cross is here to help you. If you are affected by loneliness or know someone who needs help, please visit https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-with-loneliness.
How does it work?
We’ve set up a streaming campaign page on JustGiving where you can run your event. Follow these steps to get set up:
1. Sign up.
2. Decide what you are going to stream, when are you going to do it and how you are going to incentivise people to donate.
3. Share your event with your friends, family and followers (and get them to donate!).
4. Go live and stream for 5, 10 or 20 hours for people affected by loneliness in the UK!
How does this raise money?
When you create an event page on JustGiving, a donate link will be generated which you can share with your friends, family and followers. Any donations to your event will come through to us automatically (as long as you’re signed up to our campaign).
Streaming
What is streaming / livestreaming?
Streaming / livestreaming is when you create a live video for your channel on a streaming platform. Platforms include Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram. Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram. Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram. Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram. Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram. Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram. Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram. Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.
Is there a minimum age to get involved?
The minimum age to stream on most platforms is 13. In addition, if you’re between 13 to 18 years old, we ask that you only stream under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to be bound by the Terms of Service of the streaming platform you use.
What is Twitch?
Twitch is a streaming platform.
What can I stream?
Anything within the guidelines of the streaming platform of your choosing. You can find the guidelines for the main services using the following links:
We recommend having a look at some of the streaming platforms to get some ideas of what you might do. Some categories we think work well are gaming, cooking, health and fitness, fashion and beauty, music, and arts and crafts!
If you’re stuck for ideas, here are 50+ things that you could do to really make your stream fun.
When can I stream?
Whenever you want in March 2020.
Your event
How do I set up an event?
Head over to our JustGiving site and click ‘register’, and then you are good to go.
I don’t want to stream. Can I still support the campaign?
Of course! You can donate directly to the campaign, and you can raise awareness of it by sharing it with your friends, family and followers.
Do I need to do the 5, 10 or 20 hours all at once?
You're welcome to split the hours however you like.
Please note: 10 or 20 hours of gaming in a row is a real challenge and should be treated seriously. Only go for it if you are sure it will not pose a risk to your health, and make sure to take plenty of breaks, stay hydrated and get a good amount of rest in before and after the event.
How do you know when I’ve done the 5, 10 or 20 hours?
We don’t track your hours, the challenge is only meant to be a bit of fun. Do as many hours as you feel comfortable with.
How do I promote my event?
Check out this guide for info on how to promote your event to make sure it gets the attention it deserves.
How do I raise money?
Have a look at these tips on how to boost donations.
Can you promote my event?
We'd love to promote everyone's stream but unfortunately we can't retweet individual events except under special circumstances (e.g. high-profile streamers and events).
Can I join as a team?
There’s no need to contact us to claim your reward - we’ll keep an eye on how much you’ve raised by 1st May and send out your reward. You will receive the highest-value item which you are eligible for. If you have any questions or would like to opt out of receiving a reward, please contact gaming@redcross.org.uk
Got another question?
Get in touch with us by email at gaming@redcross.org.uk or join our Discord server.