Community

Creating moments of connection this Christmas

1 in 2 people (52 per cent) living in Plymouth experience feelings of loneliness at Christmas.

In the run up to the festive season, we’re proud to be teaming up with the Mental Health Foundation, the UK’s only charity dedicated solely to the promotion of good mental health, to help combat loneliness in the community over the Christmas period.

Together, we undertook new research to reveal the scale of the issue. The results found that over a third (37 per cent) of those surveyed in Plymouth said they wouldn’t know where to turn for help when struggling with loneliness or feelings of isolation. And 42 per cent said they wouldn’t feel comfortable confiding in someone they trust about how they’re feeling.

In response, we’ve joined forces with local charity Age UK Plymouth to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.

Age UK Plymouth – the Merry Mailbox

Age UK Plymouth is a local charity based in Mount Gould that supports older people across the city to live well, stay active and remain independent.

The charity provides a wide range of services, including its Adult Day Centre and Information & Advice, which last year helped secure £2.71 million in unclaimed benefits for people aged 50 and over in Plymouth. It also offers a variety of activities that promote wellbeing, helping older people stay connected and reminding those who may otherwise feel isolated that they are still valued members of the community.

To help combat feelings of loneliness this festive season, we’re bringing back the Merry Mailbox for its second year, where shoppers are encouraged to share messages of joy and support in Christmas cards which will be distributed by Age UK Plymouth to vulnerable members of the community, spreading joy and connection over the festive period.

Alongside the mailbox you’ll find our contactless donation point, where you can tap to make a direct donation of £2 to Age UK Plymouth – supporting the crucial work they do in our community.

Mental Health Foundation

The Mental Health Foundation is the UK’s only charity dedicated solely to the prevention of poor mental health and the promotion of good mental health for all. The Foundation believes mental health is one of the most important foundations for a healthy, long life, and that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of who they are, the community they come from, or where they live.

Find out more and donate!

You can also make direct donations using the links below:

Age UK Plymouth, visit: Age UK Plymouth Christmas campaign

Mental Health Foundation visit: www.mentalhealth.org.uk 

Please note: Our Merry Mailbox is NOT a Royal Mail postbox.

Last updated Monday 1 December, 2025