'There's a stigma around it': Campaign tackling soaring loneliness in young people launches in London

The majority of young people have admitted to feeling more lonely this year, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Research has found girls are more likely to experience it than boys - likewise students are more at risk than those in work.

The charity The Mix is worried about the long-term impacts of being isolated from family for so long.

While many blamed a year of isolation away from friends and family, 60-percent miss the everyday forms of physical contact.

They've branded it 'skin hunger'.

"It's really unfortunate that there's a stigma around loneliness," says universiyt student Helena, who's from Guildford.

"I think particularly among young people, there often really is. People don't want to be the one to admit they're lonely or that they're not hanging out with friends right now ... and it's so important that that is talked about."

Zoe Bailie, Director of Brand & Development at The Mix, commented: "This brand-new research on young people and loneliness shows how isolated and disconnected young people have become as a direct result of the pandemic. The repeated lockdowns made an existing problem even worse by depriving them of face-to-face contact with their communities and support networks, leading to poor mental health and even suicide. The Mix offers young people the connection they've been missing in real life through our online moderated spaces such as group chats, where they can become part of a safe, supportive community. We also offer online 1-2-1 counselling which can support young people to be ready to face the world again."