Clyde 1, Forth 1, West FM, West Sound, Tay FM, Northsound 1, MFR and Radio Borders are supporting their local communities by working with Befriending Networks to help reduce loneliness
LONELINESS is estimated to kill more people than obesity* and, according to experts, is as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day**.
To help combat this, Bauer Media’s radio stations across Scotland including Clyde 1, Forth 1, West FM, West Sound, Tay FM, Northsound 1, MFR and Radio Borders are calling on the local community to sign up as befrienders and support some of society’s loneliest individuals with the launch of its campaign #TaketheTime.
The stations have teamed up with Befriending Networks, the country’s leading resource on befriending, to encourage kind-hearted listeners to become befrienders.
Just last month, the Scottish Government launched a national strategy to tackle loneliness and isolation***.
At the same time, the UK Government announced Tracey Crouch as Minister for Loneliness to address the issue which affects around nine million people across the UK**** ranging from the elderly to young people; people with disabilities, parents of disabled children and the LGBT community.
Lorraine Herbison, head of News and Sport for Bauer Media Scotland, said: “Listeners need only donate a couple of hours each week and in exchange they’ll be transforming the lives of lonely and vulnerable local people.
“Loneliness is a problem that affects all age groups, and throughout this week our news teams will be investigating how big an issue it is across Scotland, talking to a range of people from all kinds of backgrounds.
“We’re urging listeners to #TaketheTime to befriend vulnerable people in society.”
To sign up as a befriender please visit the following page: https://planetradio.co.uk/clyde/local/news/take-the-time/
ENDS
Notes to editor
** http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42354807
*** https://beta.gov.scot/news/reducing-loneliness-and-isolation/
**** http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42708507
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