What is the GMB 1 Million Minutes campaign with Age UK and how can you volunteer this Christmas?

Good Morning Britain are working with Age UK on the 1 Million Minutes campaign, which will run throughout December to help those who are experiencing loneliness.

With big names such as Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid backing the campaign, here’s the lowdown on what it’s about and how to get involved this Christmas...

What is the 1 Million Minutes campaign?

ITV’s Good Morning Britain has launched a campaign called 1 Million Minutes with Age UK and other charities that work to help people experiencing loneliness later in life.

It launched today, Monday 27 November, and will run throughout December - so there is plenty of time to get involved.

There are 1.9 million older people across England who experience loneliness, feeling ignored or invisible - so it’s important that people get involved to help reduce this.

How can I volunteer for the 1 Million Minutes campaign and what options are there?

There are many ways to volunteer in the campaign and make a difference to those who are feeling lonely at Christmas.

Befriending an elderly person in your local area involves being matched by your local Age UK with someone, who you will visit in their home or call to offer friendly conversation on a regular basis.

This enables lasting companionship to be formed, which makes a particular difference to those who live alone.

You can also provide information and advice to older people, which gives them the ability to secure rights and entitlements, make choices about their housing, care and money, and avoid difficulties in the future.
Another option is signing up for a weekly 30 minute chat on the phone with an elderly person.