AN ANNUAL campaign by the Jo Cox Foundation to bring people together and reduce the stigma associated with loneliness, the Great Winter Get Together, begins today.

New research from the Foundation, which was set up in memory of the murdered Batley and Spen MP, shows that the vast majority of people in the North West (78%) still think there is a stigma around talking about loneliness, rising to 91% among young people in the UK.

Kicking off on January 17, known as 'Blue Monday' and running until January 30, the charity will be encouraging people to take action. This could be starting the conversation with those you are closest to or organising a community event, such as a walk.

The new research also shows only a quarter of Brits (26%) feel comfortable telling a friend or relative about feeling lonely. Yet half of Brits (48%) would feel positive if a friend or relative approached them for support with loneliness.

Su Moore, CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation, said: “Last year, an incredible 3.5 million people across the UK took part in the Great Winter Get Together. At this difficult time of the year, we need to have the courage to talk about loneliness, even if it feels uncomfortable. Our research shows that among young people, the most helpful way to tackle loneliness is the support of friends and family so we want everyone to know there’s no shame in sharing.

“That’s why from 17-30 January we’re asking people to get involved with the Great Winter Get Together by taking action in their lives. That could look like checking in with a friend who’s going through a big life change, bringing up the topic in your new parents group, organising a walk in your community so people can connect, or simply letting someone you trust know when you’re feeling lonely. Sometimes the ‘smallest’ actions actually make the biggest difference.”

The 41-year-old Labour MP, Jo Cox, was shot and stabbed in her constituency by far-right extremist Thomas Mair on June 16, 2016.

The Jo Cox Foundation was set up in her memory to build a positive legacy and campaigns under the banner "More in Common" with the aim of bringing people together and the vision of a kinder, more compassionate society.

To find out more about the Great Winter Get Together 2022 and get involved visit greatgettogether.org.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk