A group of students have been raising awareness for loneliness through the National Citizen Service (NCS) program.

Mariam Moussa, 16, has been working with NCS over the summer. As part of the project they have decided to raise awareness for loneliness.

The project culminated in a series of projects in Richmond, including a sponsored 10 KM walk and volunteer day at Elleray Hall, Teddington.

Mariam said: “We wanted to tackle the issue of loneliness and bring generations together by spreading awareness. Loneliness affects a lot of elderly people, it is as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

“It was great to spend the week raising awareness for the issue. We raised £300 as a group. Spending the day helping and talking to residents at Elleray was great.”

As part of the project the group went out on Richmond High Street to raise awareness on loneliness. They handed out sweets, played music and asked the public to write how they feel about loneliness.

The group also spend a day with residents at Elleray Hall, where they hosted a garden party. Mariam is hoping that by raising awareness for loneliness, it will affect less people.