Retail body backs government campaign to tackle loneliness

Retailers’ body Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is highlighting the vital role that local shops play in alleviating loneliness in communities across the UK.

This week, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) launched their new loneliness campaign activity as part of the Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign.

The campaign will run until 13th March and includes advice and tips on how to help yourself or others who may be experiencing loneliness, these include Keeping in touch with those around you, joining a group, doing things that you enjoy, sharing your feelings, helping someone else to feel connected and inviting someone along to activities near you.

Findings from ACS’ Community Barometer Report 2021 show that consumers believe the convenience stores, alongside pubs and coffee shops, have a positive role at alleviating loneliness through their role as a social hub.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops operate at the heart of communities across the UK and this means that they are well placed to help alleviate loneliness and support their customers.

“We are encouraging retailers to engage with their colleagues and customers and build on the fantastic work that they’re already doing to tackle loneliness in their communities.”

ACS is a member of the Government’s Employers’ Leadership Group and Tackling Loneliness Hub. ACS is also a founding signatory to the Tackling Loneliness Champions Pledge.