The Great Get Together is inspired by Jo Cox, who was killed on the 16th of June 2016. In her first speech in Parliament, Jo said, ”We have more in common than that which divides us”. Jo was passionate about alleviating loneliness, and before her death she set up the Jo Cox Loneliness Commission to ‘turbo charge the public’s awareness of loneliness’. The Commission shine a spotlight on loneliness every winter, with their Great Winter Get Together campaign.
About the Great Winter Get Together 2020
For this year’s Great Winter Get Together, the Commission are talking about loneliness and building connections. Anyone can experience loneliness but winter can be a particularly difficult time, especially this year. The Commission don’t just want this to happen for a month - they want people to build connecting into their daily lives. I, along with the Commission, want to take forward Jo’s vision of a less lonely, more connected world.
The campaign will run from 14th December - 18th January, finishing on ‘Blue Monday’. Known as a particularly miserable day of the year, the Commission will be reclaiming the day by holding a huge online celebration to bring people together. They’ll also be running a series of Great Get Together online events, designed with their partners, that educate, inform and entertain!
Call to action: Let’s face loneliness together.
The Jo Cox Loneliness Commission are suggesting five ways that people can connect with a different theme each week.
Thank: Say thank you to someone who has helped you this year.
Reach: Reach out to someone you've lost touch with.
Show: Show someone you care with an act of kindness.
Understand: Learn about loneliness so you can help yourself and those around you
Help: Commit to volunteering your time or expertise.
