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Residents of South Tyneside are being encouraged to look out for one another this Christmas.

The festive season can be a lonely time but this year has seen more people than ever before struggle with feelings of isolation.

During the lockdowns, one in four people said they had experienced feelings of loneliness - a steep rise from the one in ten before the pandemic.

While many people think loneliness affects only older people, a survey found it was young people between the ages of 18 and 24 who were more likely to experience loneliness.

While many people feel lonely from time to time, long term loneliness can lead to a higher risk of mental health problems including depression, anxiety and stress.

This festive season people are encouraged to keep an eye on friends or neighbours who live alone.

Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing, Councillor Anne Hetherington, said: "While it is important we all keep to the rules this year around hands, face and space, there are simple things we can all do to let people know we care and are thinking of them.

"If a neighbour doesn't have a lot of close contacts, you could push a note through their door to check if they are OK, give them a call or check to see if they need any essential supplies. As the pandemic has shown, small acts of kindness can make a huge difference to someone's life."

People who are feeling lonely are encouraged to keep in touch with friends or family via phone calls, text or video or join an online group such as an exercise class or book club. Going for a walk in a public place could also help to alleviate feelings of loneliness and improve mood.

Anyone who is extremely clinically vulnerable and isolated without any means of support can call the COVID-19 Community Support Hub on (0191) 424 7575 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. This service is for people who have no other means of support from family, friends, neighbours or organisations and who are struggling to access essentials such as food or medicine.

For more information on the wide range of support available, from help with accessing food to support around wellbeing and mental health, visit