ress AssociationNormally in a crisis, being together would help us get through it. Wed talk, pray and hug each other. Wed argue and make up.Weve found creative ways of staying in touch. There have been Zooms and socially distanced outdoor gatherings.Places of worship have moved online. Weve learned how to hold church services safely. This has given comfort to huge numbers.Deadly seriousBut none of this changes the fact that there is another epidemic out there: The epidemic of loneliness. And we need to do something about it.5The virus has messed up the lives of so many.Credit: PA
ress AssociationChristmas brings that into sharper focus. Christmas gives many of us, Christian or not, a change of pace, the chance to spend time with friends and family. But this year millions of us will be alone.Even before Covid, we knew loneliness was a crisis. Surveys show half of us feel lonely at least sometimes. A growing number are lonely most of the time.One Christmas I was almost alone except for my dad, who drank. I was just looking out of the window at family groups. It was grim. Lo neliness is deadly serious. Scientists have found Mlfk Soldiers of suicide to be remembered at Victoria candlelight ceremony