North East pubs looking to ease loneliness this Christmas with card appeal

Christmas Day can be the hardest day of the year for people experiencing lonlieness.

That's why people across the North East are being encouraged to write a card and spread a little Christmas cheer to those facing loneliness and isolation this Christmas.

Eight pubs across the region are calling on customers to help in their mission to ease the feeling of loneliness during the season of goodwill by writing a festive message to someone at a local hospital, nursing home or community group.

READ MORE: I'm A Celebrity betting odds as one star's popularity plummets over show antics

READ MORE: Six red flag symptoms as Davina McCall undergoes surgery after brain tumour diagnosis

The pubs will provide a list of recipients and will deliver the Christmas cards, making it easy for anyone who wants to take part. Each card will then be sent out on December 15 in time for Christmas, bringing a little joy and connection to those who may be spending it alone.

Pubs are often at the heart of their communities, especially in rural areas where they provide vital services and serve as a safe space to combat isolation. A recent study by think-tank, Localis found that 68% of British adults believe pubs help to tackle loneliness in their local area.

The pubs taking part in this initiative are part of Proper Pub, a division of Admiral Taverns, which has over 200 pubs across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Over the past two years, across its estate, Proper Pubs has donated almost 40,000 Christmas selection boxes to local charities, with thousands more set to be donated this year, through the kind generosity of its community members.

These are the pubs in the North East which are taking part:

• Crown Colliery, Boldon Colliery

• Rosies Tavern, Darlington

• Turks Head, Darlington

• Blue Bell, Felling

• Spring Gardens, North Shields

• Royal George Tavern, Shildon

• Beehive, Sunderland

• Bird, Washington

Anyone wishing to take part has until December 15 to write their Christmas card.