Great Winter Get Together fortnight begins to help tackle loneliness in Derby

Published: 17 January 2023

Derby City Council will be supporting the Great Winter Get Together campaign, to help tackle loneliness in Derby. Run by the Jo Cox Foundation, this national fortnight runs from 16 – 29 January, celebrating the places where people can go to connect this winter and combat loneliness.

Across the UK, more than 9 million people and 15% of young people face chronic loneliness. With the cost-of-living crisis making it more difficult for many people to access their usual social activities, local places - where people can chat and get to know others - will play a vital role in alleviating loneliness this January.

Each day the Council will be putting the spotlight on various warm spaces across the city that have been set up to offer a range of free, social activities including toddler and craft groups, community cafes and knit and natter groups.

Councillor Jonathan Smale, Cabinet Member for Finance, Digital and Culture, said:

We have always been there for one another and have a great sense of community in Derby. We wanted to participate in the Jo Cox MP-inspired Great Winter Get Together this year because of this.

We want everyone to know they will receive a warm welcome here since we are aware that this winter will make people feel isolated.

There are many warm spaces throughout Derby that will be promoted during the fortnight, which started on Monday. For more information on our warm spaces, visit the Community Action Derby website.

Community, Events