NEWS COPY
Brits are set to spread Christmas cheer this year by checking in on elderly neighbours, donating to food banks and helping others with their grocery shop.
Researchers who polled 2,000 adults found festive spirit is still alive and well with 38 per cent planning to do something kind for the local community this December.
Other thoughtful acts likely to be carried out include donating unwanted items to the disadvantaged, spending time with someone who is lonely, and even donating money to charity.
Commissioned by O2, the study also found 54 per cent felt the events of 2020 have inspired them to do more for other people.
A spokesman for O2 said: "It's certainly been a tricky year so it’s wonderful to see so many people are going out of their way to help others who need it the most.
“It can be very lonely for a lot of people, especially at this time of year, so these good deeds will definitely be appreciated and go a really long way.”
The study also found that for 58 per cent of those polled, this will be the first time they have done a good deed in their local area at Christmas.
And for almost two thirds, it is something they want to continue into 2021.
The average adult helps out in the local community three times a year – and almost four in 10 regret not going out of their way to do this sooner.
Looking out for those most vulnerable and wanting to give back to the local community were the top motivating reasons for doing something good this year.
But 47 per cent said they did it due to the thought of someone being lonely at Christmas.
Currently, a shocking 95 per cent admitted they know of someone who is or has previously been affected by loneliness.
And 60 per cent of those polled have, at one time, experienced this themselves.
But 56 per cent will now make more of an effort with those who suffer from loneliness, due to the events of 2020.
The study, conducted by OnePoll, also found 76 per cent feel technology has played a big role in helping those who are lonely during the pandemic.
To help tackle loneliness, the mobile network has recently extended its partnership with charity Hubbub, with the aim to gift 10,000 unused smartphones to vulnerable individuals in the most deprived areas of the UK.
As part of the campaign, O2 will be donating 12 months of free connectivity to the beneficiaries, which will include unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and 6GB of data per month for a full year.
The spokesman for O2 added: “Connectivity has been vital to keeping the country running during the pandemic, but if you’re unable to get online you’re likely to miss out on a lot of support.
“We’ve already seen the positive impact Community Calling has had on vulnerable people in London – providing a lifeline for those most affected by the pandemic, so we’re pleased to announce this expansion, starting in Manchester.
“This campaign reflects our broader commitment to be there for our customers and the wider community, whenever they need us.”
Anyone in the UK can get involved by donating their unused smartphones. Find out more by visiting: hubbub.org.uk/donate-data-to-
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