Community

Creating moments of connection in the community this Christmas

1 in 2 people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas, with almost one in five (18 per cent) say they expect to feel lonelier this year than they did last Christmas.

In the run up to Christmas 2025, we’re proud to have teamed up with the Mental Health Foundation, the UK’s only charity dedicated solely to the promotion of good mental health, to help combat loneliness in the community over the festive period.

In partnership with the Mental Health Foundation we undertook new research to reveal the scale of the issue. The results found that more than half (53 per cent) of people in Edinburgh said they wouldn’t know where to turn for help when struggling with loneliness or isolation. Worryingly, almost half (49 per cent) also said they don’t feel comfortable confiding in someone they trust about how they feel – a tendency that increases with age.

In response, we have teamed up with Edinburgh-based charities Cyrenians and Edinburgh Young Carers to help raise awareness of the support they can provide particularly for vulnerable groups experiencing feelings of loneliness, including people who are homeless and young carers.

Cyrenians – Letters of Hope

Cyrenians works to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness, including social isolation, by offering prevention, early-intervention and supported-housing services.

Later this month, we will bring back our Letters of Hope initiative, where shoppers are encouraged to write a Christmas card sharing messages of support that will be distributed by Cyrenians to vulnerable members of the community, helping to combat social isolation over the festive period. Shoppers will also be able to make a voluntary donation through a donation point located next to the mailbox.

Edinburgh Young Carers – Digital Workshops

Edinburgh Young Carers provides respite and support to young people who care for somebody at home. They aim to improve the lives and wellbeing of young carers by raising awareness, offering emotional and practical support and by giving each young person the opportunity to take a break from their caring role which can be very isolating.

To support young people experiencing loneliness, we will be hosting digital workshops run by animation and film makers D Fie Foe, in partnership with Edinburgh Young Carers. The workshops aim to provide young people with useful skills in digital filmmaking, whilst using creativity as a platform to connect and collaborate with others.

Margaret Murphy, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Young Carers at Cyrenians said:

“Edinburgh Young Carers are delighted to be working with Fort Kinnaird on this campaign in the run up to the festive period. Young carers take on incredible responsibilities for their loved ones throughout the year, and Christmas can often be an isolating and difficult time. We hope this campaign will highlight the support that young carers and young adult carers have a right to access – including a break from caring and a chance to have fun and spend time with friends.”

More information

Fort Kinnaird will be donating advertising space to both local charities, helping to signpost the vital support for those who need it most. Adverts promoting the charities will feature across digital screens, posters and bathroom mirror vinyls, as well as on social media and the centre’s website during the festive period.

To find out more or donate to Cyrenians visit: https://cyrenians.scot/

To find out more or donate to Edinburgh Young Carers visit: Edinburgh Young Carers

To find out more to better understand, nurture, and protect your mental health or to donate to the Mental Health Foundation visit: www.mentalhealth.org.uk 

Last updated Wednesday 25 March, 2026