Facing Loneliness Together

The Royal British Legion and the Jo Cox Foundation have similar visions to bring communities together to effect change and engender a sense of belonging. So, in this difficult post-festive time with short days, gloomy weather, and another Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, we have teamed up to address issues around the loneliness and social isolation that affect so many people at this time of year.

We are proud to announce that the Royal British Legion and The Jo Cox Foundation partnership will be co-hosting a Facing Loneliness Together webinar with the support of Johnny Mercer MP on

Tuesday 23rd February 2021 to:

Raise awareness of loneliness and social isolation amongst members of the Armed Forces members, veterans, their families, and carers, and reduce the stigma around loneliness

The panel will be:

• Johnny Mercer MP - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence People and Veterans

• Kim Leadbeater – Jo Cox Foundation , Ambassador and Jo Cox's sister

• Gail Walters – Assistant Director Operations, Royal British Legion

• Special Guests – We will hear from a number of individuals who have agreed to share their lived experiences of social isolation and loneliness.

The purpose of the event is to explore the subject of loneliness in the Armed Forces community. We hope that attendees will be prepared to participate and ask questions. We will hear from the Royal British Legion about initiatives and plans on these issues focussed on the Armed Forces Community and share our joint commitments to tackling social isolation and loneliness for all.

The format for the session is proposed as:

• Introduction: Opening remarks from the Minister about his own experience of loneliness and the importance of this conversation around loneliness. Setting the scene on the stigma around talking about loneliness and why it's important to talk about it

• Short presentation: Facts and insights into loneliness in the Armed Forces community (including Serving personnel, veterans, and their families and carers)

• Lived experiences – Kim Leadbeater and Gail Walters lead a discussion with guests about their own experiences of social isolation and how it has affected them and the people they support.

• Polling to engage audience and encourage interactivity during the event.

• Close: Discuss the importance of raising awareness, destigmatising loneliness, and hearing lived experience examples. Including thoughts on what more can be done to support the Armed Forces community.

Guest speakers: Three individuals with lived experience of loneliness and social isolation, or who have provided support to those affected.

Audience: People who are currently Serving; veterans; Armed Forces families; carers in the Armed Forces community; Legion Members; civil servants in MOD/ DCMS; Legion staff.

To book your place please click on the Register button above to add your name and email address. You will receive a link to this virtual event nearer the date.