A song can convey a crucial message but is it always done in the right way? Could it have a negative impact on vulnerable people?
‘How can you tell me you are lonely’ has taken on many meanings throughout my life — desperate times of poor health — mental — physical — losing purpose — losing the desire to live at all — feelings of empathy and disbelief at what offers have to bear each day — a heavy heart — lost in the inability to protect and put right what is perceived to be suffering without a reason…
As a teacher in a school located in a deprived area with children living in extremely difficult circumstances. A way of showing that other people were worse off than them? Perhaps a reflection? A comfort to some — the feeling that others suffered as well, just in a different way.
The chorus even brings you back to London as if that’s the heart of cold, hungry, lonely people with few belongings and nowhere to stay.
Loneliness can happen to anyone and at any time. So many triggers — change in living conditions — financial problems — losing a loved one — being diagnosed with a Long term health condition or disability. The list goes on and on.
The campaign to end loneliness reports that In total, 45% of adults feel occasionally, sometimes or often lonely in England. This equates to twenty-five million people. Research conducted by Sense shows that this increases to 50% amongst those with a disability.
They continue to point out that loneliness is a serious risk to health and well-being. Thought to increase the risk of high blood pressure, cognitive decline and even death.
The question is what do we do about it?
Feeling lonely explores activities such as catching up with old friends, making new connections and interacting online. Other suggestions include planning things that you enjoy doing, getting outdoors, focusing on the good things in your life and looking after yourself.
There's a lot that people can do to support those who are vulnerable and/or lonely or at risk of becoming lonely. Over the last seven years Good morning Britain has seen more than half a billion minutes donated to charities looking for volunteers to help those who feel lonely.
If you know someone who might be lonely, one of the best things you can do is to show them that you're available. Call, visit or email them regularly to keep in touch. A simple gesture that means so much.
Full song lyrics can be found here: https://www.google.com/search?q=streets+of+london+song+lyrics
Full details of Good Morning Britains — 1 Million Minutes Campaign: https://www.itv.com/goodmorningbritain/articles/1-million-minutes-2022
Campaign to end loneliness: https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/the-facts-on-loneliness/
Samaritans volunteers are available around the clock, every single day of the year. Call 116123, or visit: www.samaritans.org
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