Hugging a huge boost for people's wellbeing, say experts

Experts in Wigan have told us there are huge mental and physical health benefits from being able to give people hugs.

From next week people across Wigan & St Helens will be able to have close contact will loved ones they haven't seen properly in months.

The government say "the public can make informed, personal decisions on close contact, such as hugging, with their friends and family."

Previously, social distancing was required at all times when seeing people outside of your household or bubble, unless for essential reasons such as childcare.

Karen Nolan is a psychotherapist who works and supports people across Wigan she said:

"I do think it is hugging and touching is is hugely, hugely important."

"Human beings are social animals and we are biologically programmed to seek connection with others."

"You know, when we think about interactions between a parent and a small baby, the way that the baby kind of reaches out its little arms, and our natural instinct is to pick them up. That it is programmed into us."

"It's what soothes us and it's what regulates our emotions, it's what helps us to feel safe and as adults, it's really important in terms of how we communicate with each other."

"We talk about reaching out to others, we talk about offering a helping hand, we give people a pat on the back as a way of encouraging them."

"We even have an emoji for hugging."

"It is very much part of our culture and our way of interacting as human beings."

"It has been incredibly difficult during the pandemic with people experiencing huge anxiety, losses, bereavement and being unable to have the normal physical contact with our loved ones."

"It does, I think, have an impact on our mental health but it's not just mental wellbeing, but also physical wellbeing."

"Contact releases a hormone called oxytocin, which is also called the love hormone, or the cuddle chemical."

"It lowers anxiety and it also promotes trust so it's important, it's important in child development and it's also important in how we bond as adults too."

As well as changes to the rules on close contact, some other restrictions will also now be eased next week.

Indoor hospitality will reopen such as pubs and restaurants, as will entertainment venues such as bowling alleys, cinemas and theatres, museums and children's play centres.

All remaining outdoor entertainment will also be allowed to reopen such as outdoor cinemas and performances.

Some larger events will be able to take place, including conferences, theatre and concert performances, and sports events but there will still be curbs on the numbers of people that can attend.

Up to 6 people or 2 households will be able to meet indoors and up to 30 people outdoors.

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