PL Primary Stars encouraging children to get in touch

This Loneliness Awareness Week, we are looking at how Premier League clubs have been working in their local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep people connected and to help those at risk of social isolation.

Premier League Primary Stars

While Aston Villa, Sheffield United, Southampton and other clubs have helped to bring senior members of the community together, the Premier League Primary Stars programme focuses on helping children.

Using the power of football, the programme offers a host of free resources to teachers and pupils to encourage youngsters to learn, be active and develop important life skills such as discussing their emotions.

Get in touch

PL Primary Stars set a series of Friday Family Challenges during the first lockdown and in Loneliness Awareness Week one such challenge, the Get In Touch letter writing challenge, has never been more relevant.

The challenge asks children to reach out to an older relative, friend or neighbour who may feel isolated or lonely by writing a letter.

TV presenter Dan Walker helped to promote the challenge and he said: "The important thing is that you share a story that makes the person who reads that letter smile.

"The fact you've taken the time to do that will mean so much to them."

A Connecting Generations letter writing pack, which is full of activity sheets and ideas, is one of many free resources available. If you don't have access to a printer, you can grab some paper and a pen and get writing.

Sharing a story can help to make a positive difference to people of all ages.

Find out more by visiting the PL Primary Stars website.

Get involved

People can get involved with the #LetsTalkLoneliness campaign, which raises awareness of loneliness to support those who are socially isolated at this time.

For tips on what you can do and to find out where to get support, visit the LetsTalkLoneliness website.

Also in this series

Part 1: 'Pre-match socials have given me mental strength'
Part 2: Shaun helping others thanks to Sheff Utd support
Part 3: Southampton keeping Senior Saints connected
Part 4: How Brighton gave Joe a lifeline in lockdown
Part 6: Watford allowing generations to come together
Part 7: How Wolves used music video to combat isolation