Young people experiencing loneliness to be offered support in Southampton

Lonely youngsters in Southampton are to be given help later this month thanks to a £70,000 new scheme.

The project is designed to support more than 200 people who suffer high levels of loneliness due to varying issues in their lives.

Lesley Bestwick, from the No Limits charity in Southampton, said: “We applied for the grant from the Co-op and were extremely delighted to hear we were successful. We’re looking forward to making a positive change to young people’s lives.

“The scheme starting later this month is important because lots of young people suffer from loneliness nationwide and Southampton is a large city.

“We know 16-24 year olds are the most effected by loneliness and we’re expecting to help a large number of people in the area. We’re encouraging young people to help both themselves and others and watch their confidence grow.

“The scheme is due to run for two years and we’re looking to run some events in Southampton later this term, to help raise awareness to the subject.”

No Limits will be fundraising, volunteering and campaigning to raise awareness to loneliness – and it is hoped that at the end of the two years both youngsters and youth workers will be better equipped to tackle it.

The money comes thanks to a grant from the #iwill Fund, delivered by Co-op Foundation.