Glasgow Fort joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas

Glasgow Fort has teamed up with local charities to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.

Article Source: Glasgow Fort
Last Updated: 5 December 2025 14:00

New research has revealed that one in two Glaswegians (57 per cent) have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas, with almost a third (31 per cent) saying they expect to feel lonelier this year than they did last Christmas.

The research, conducted by Glasgow Fort in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, also found that four in ten (43 per cent) of people in Glasgow said they wouldn’t know where to turn for help when struggling with loneliness or isolation, with close to half (47 per cent) saying they don’t feel comfortable confiding in someone they trust about how they feel – a tendency that increases with age.

In response, Glasgow Fort has teamed up with Glasgow-based charities The Daffodil Club and YoMo (Young Movers) to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.

The Daffodil Club, based in Easterhouse, helps to reduce social isolation and strengthen community connections for older and vulnerable people by providing social activities, transport and meals.

Meanwhile, YoMo (Young Movers) provides services that connect young people through wellbeing workshops and learning opportunities, ultimately helping them to build their confidence.

Glasgow Fort will be donating advertising space to both local charities, helping to signpost the vital support for those who need it most, while also encouraging donations. Adverts promoting the charities will feature across its digital screens, on posters and bathroom mirror vinyls, as well as on social media.

Shoppers are also able to make voluntary donations to support the work of both charities through the website.

Later this month, the centre will also launch a new Merry Mailbox initiative to encourage shoppers to share messages of joy and support in Christmas cards which will be distributed by The Daffodil Club to vulnerable members of the community, spreading joy and connection over the festive period.

To support young people experiencing loneliness, the centre will also be hosting digital workshops run by animation and film makers D Fie Foe, in partnership with YoMo. The workshops will aim to provide young people with useful skills in digital filmmaking, whilst using creativity as a platform to connect and collaborate with others.

Phil Goodman, centre director at Glasgow Fort, said: “The festive period is a special time that brings people throughout our community together – from enjoying our Christmas markets to grabbing a meal with friends, but sadly we know it can be a lonelier time for some.

“We’re proud to be working in partnership with two brilliant local charities The Daffodil Club and YoMo to raise awareness of the support they provide this Christmas, while also hopefully raising lots of much-needed donations to help them continue their important work.”

Alexa Knight, Director of Policy and Influence for the Mental Health Foundation, said: “We can all feel lonely at times, but when loneliness lasts for a long period, it can have a profound impact on our mental health. At Christmas, this can feel even harder because the portrayal of the season as full of joy and togetherness can deepen feelings of isolation if we are lonely.

“Working with Glasgow Fort allows us to shine a light on an issue that is often hidden, encourage open conversations, and connect people with the support and understanding they need this Christmas and beyond. It’s important to note that loneliness isn’t something individuals should have to fix alone; we all have a role to play. Taking time to check in with people around us, offering a listening ear, or creating spaces where others feel welcome can make a real difference.”

The research also revealed that whilst loneliness is often associated with older generations, younger people are increasingly struggling too, with more than a third (34 per cent) of 18–24-year-olds anticipating greater feelings of loneliness this year.

Social media also emerged as a key influence when it comes to loneliness, with almost a quarter (24 per cent) of people saying that online platforms make them feel more alone at Christmas, whilst financial pressures (43 per cent), being physically distant from family and friends (29 per cent) and the recent loss of a loved one (27 per cent) and were the key reasons behind feelings of disconnection.

Anna Powell, Mental Health Support Officer at YoMo said: “The Christmas period can heighten feelings of loneliness for many young people and for those we support these feelings often build on challenges they already face throughout the year. The young people who engage with our mental health services have lived experience of isolation and are passionate about raising awareness of the support available. Through this campaign, they hope to remind others that help is out there and that no one has to face this time of year alone.”

Lynda O’Neill, Project manager at The Daffodil Club said: “Our older people report feeling even more socially isolated over the festive period, with many saying it’s just another day. We try to make the lead up to Christmas as joyful and as fun as we can – from organising local school visits and carol singing for our older people, to now being able to share heartfelt Christmas cards through our partnership with Glasgow Fort. We still provide support for those who have no family over this period, and any donations we gratefully receive will help us to reach even more people.”

Throughout the festive period, Glasgow Fort will also be hosting its annual Christmas market as well as visits from characters inspired by everyone’s favourite Christmas film, Home Alone, including mischievous Christmas bandits, the bellhops and a brass band.

To find out more visit www.glasgowfort.com/christmas

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Glasgow Fort joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas

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