New survey by PG tips in support of Samaritans Brew Monday looks at the far-reaching impact of loneliness
- 25-34-year-olds experience the highest levels of loneliness (82%), but the issue is prevalent across all age groups according to the new research in support of Samaritans
- More than half of Brits (52%) believe there is a stigma attached to being lonely
- 9 in 10 (87%) of the people surveyed said that having a face to face catch up over a cup of tea would help them feel less lonely
- PG tips joins Samaritans ‘celebritea’ supporters, including Dame Julie Walters to encourage the nation to come together for a warming cuppaTwo thirds of Brits (64%) have felt lonely in the past year, the new research1 has revealed.
Commissioned by PG tips in support of Samaritans Brew Monday, the study sheds new light on the far-reaching impact of loneliness, its causes, and how people can overcome it.
Whilst 25-34-year olds reported the highest levels of loneliness - with 82% of respondents saying they had felt lonely in the past year - the study has shown the issue affects people of all ages, in all areas of the UK.
Major life changes such as becoming a new parent, bereavement or moving to a new area were all identified as key factors attributing to people’s loneliness.
The survey also highlighted that more than half of Brits (52%) say they are less likely to admit to being lonely because there is stigma attached.
However, with 9 in 10 (87%) saying getting together over a cup of tea would help them feel less lonely, PG tips has pledged its support to Samaritans Brew Monday, a fundraising initiative that encourages people to come together over a cuppa.
Turning the idea of ‘Blue Monday’ on its head into something positive, Samaritans Brew Monday encourages people to get together with family, friends or colleagues for a chat and a warming cuppa throughout January and February. Taking time to listen to another person could help them through a tough time and having a brew together is a great excuse to do just that. People can use their get-together to raise money for Samaritans, so someone having a tough time has somewhere to turn. Brew Monday has the backing of British stars including Dame Julie Walters, former Bake Off contestant Michael Chakraverty and comedian Rachel Parris.
Dame Julie Walters said: “Talking is really important – to get it out of your head and into the atmosphere and for someone to witness that, is important in life. I’m supporting Brew Monday as I believe we need to listen, notice and talk to people. It isn’t a problem to talk about how you are feeling, and things won’t get out of control, if anything it will dissipate. It’s about not being afraid to approach somebody and noticing what’s happening around you.”
Great British Bake Off’s Michael Chakraverty has also pledged his support to the campaign, saying: “During practice for Bake Off I felt very lonely, as I'd be holed up in my kitchen baking. My close friends that knew I was on the show really lifted my spirits with small acts of kindness like dropping by with home cooked meals. Their support lifted me out of my loneliness, finding small moments of laughter and calm connections with those I'm close to.”
Fiachra Moloney, Director of Tea at Unilever UK said: “With two thirds of the population having experienced loneliness in the last year, there are at least 9 million people feeling lonely on any given day and we will all experience it at some point in our lives. We want everyone to feel open in talking about loneliness and that is why PG tips is proud to support Samaritans Brew Monday and together we’re encouraging the nation to reach out to anyone who might be affected by the issue.”
Samaritans volunteers will be providing free PG tips teabags to commuters passing through train stations across the country on Monday January 20th.
This is first in a series of activities PG tips are supporting in 2020 via partnerships with Samaritans, Time to Change and The Big Lunch. The brand has also launched a national advertising campaign to encourage the nation to get together over a cup of tea which can be viewed at www.youtube.com/pgtipsofficial
To sign up for a free Brew Monday fundraising pack, visit https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday.
You can join the conversation on social media using #BrewMonday and why not make a donation while you’re there, you could help save a life.
ENDS
For more information or to request an interview, please contact [email protected] / 020 36215144 / 07943809162
Samaritans Brew Monday 2020 Press Pack, including images from Samaritans celebrity supporters, available here: https://www.samaritans.org/brew-monday-press-pack
Notes to editors:
1 PG tips surveyed 2,177 people via Censuswide in January 2020
2 British Red Cross and Coop, 2016
PG tips
PG tips, the nation’s favourite tea brand has been giving tea drinkers lovely tasting cuppas for over 85 years and was the first major UK tea brand to sell fully Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM tea.
Samaritans
- Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch, where you can talk to one of our trained volunteers face to face.
- Every six seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.
- Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and more than 20,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support us or volunteer with us.
- You can follow Samaritans on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
- The West End show of BAFTA winning film Touching the Void is supporting Brew Monday with a ticketed pre-theatre celebrity panel talk at the Duke of York theatre on 20 January. The discussion will be introduced by Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland before the show and all proceeds from the night will be donated to Samaritans.
- BODY WORLDS London will also be lending their support to Brew Monday as they welcome Samaritans volunteers to the flagship museum in Piccadilly Circus. Created by Dr Gunther von Hagens, the multi-award-winning exhibition highlights the symbiotic relationship between our mental and physical health, making it the perfect setting for the Brew Monday initiative. Samaritans volunteers will be offering warming cups of PG tips tea to visitors and passers-by, helping to brighten their day on Monday 20th January.