Laura Alcock-Ferguson, of the Borders, has been named in the New Year Honours List. Photo: Laura Alcock-Ferguson/Twitter A BORDERS woman has been named in the New Year Honours List. Laura Alcock-Ferguson, the founding director of the Campaign to End Loneliness, will receive an MBE for services to people experiencing loneliness in later life . Ms Alcock-Ferguson is now the chief executive officer of the Ancient Tree Forum. The UK Government lists her residence as “Galashiels, Scottish Borders”. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “In a year when so many have made sacrifices to protect our NHS and save people’s lives, the outstanding efforts of those receiving honours today are a welcome reminder of the strength of human spirit, and of what can be achieved through courage and compassion.
The end-of-year holiday season is always a difficult time for people left isolated as families and friends gather to celebrate.
But this was the year of the coronavirus and loneliness has been a feature of life for months.
One report published in the summer found nearly three times as many people reported feelings of loneliness compared to 2019.
Experts across Europe say the necessary focus on maintaining our physical health has come at the expense of mental health.
“We always talk about the transmission of the virus, but loneliness is also a public health problem,” Pedro Gullón, an epidemiologist, told the Spanish news website el Diaro.
Notre Dame primary school pupils who are in the schools charity committee and were involved in the pen pal care home project. Pictured are back row from left- head teacher Tina MacDonald, David Broadley, Paton McGinley, Aizah Rasul, Julia Sorel and teache THE messages are simple and touching, the cheery cards bright and full of festive cheer. “Hope you are safe and well in these difficult times,” reads one, while another says: “We hope we will all be able to meet up again soon.” These are Christmas cards with a difference, sent with love from a bunch of creative and kind-hearted primary school pupils to care homes across the city.