A VOLUNTEER body that supports the most vulnerable people in Denbighshire has launched a social media campaign to tackle the myths around loneliness and help people to beat the January blues.

The Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC), the membership body for volunteers, voluntary and community groups, third sector organisations and social enterprises, has started the campaign to raise awareness of loneliness and isolation, which can affect people of all ages and levels in communities and businesses.

Helen Wilkinson, DVSC chief executive, said: “We would like to encourage all DVSC members, partners and supporters to join us in raising awareness about loneliness and isolation especially now that the festive season is over and we enter the New Year.

“DVSC want dispel some of the myths around loneliness and isolation during this campaign and will do so throughout winter on social media.

“Loneliness is still one of society’s great stigmas and affects all ages. We all have a part to play in combatting it as individuals, in our communities, businesses and wider civil society.”

Surprisingly young adults are more likely to feel lonely than older age groups, says a study from the Office for National Statistics. The research found that almost 10 per cent of people aged 16 to 24 were “always or often" lonely - the highest proportion of any age group.

This was more than three times higher than people aged 65 and over. Researchers suggest that older people might become more "resilient" to worries about loneliness.

Ms Wilkinson continued: “The festive period will have been, undoubtedly particularly hard on many people; the bereaved, those un able to get out, those without close friends or family and those in care, but it is crucial that we remember that life might be hard for these people the whole year round.

“You can get involved and inspire others through our #Connect4Winter campaign via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or call in and see us at the Naylor Leyland Centre in Ruthin.”

The DVSC also holds pop-in sessions every Friday between 1pm and 3pm at which attendees learn skills and meet new people.

The DVSC is based at the Naylor Leyland Centre, Well Street, Ruthin, LL15 1AF.

For further information call the DVSC on 01824 702441 or visit the website.