Twitter’s #Joinin campaign returns for a sixth year
Christmas can be tough if you’ve lost a loved one.
But now thanks to the power of Twitter, people who are dreading spending Christmas alone can worry no more.
The #joinin initiative helps people on Twitter to connect with others who don’t have anyone to spend time with on one of the most festive days of the year.
Started by comedian Sarah Milican, the initiative is now in its sixth year.
‘I started #joinin four years ago. So this Christmas Day will be my fifth. It started because I’m a big softie and can’t bear the thought of people being alone on Christmas Day. And I don’t mean those who choose to be alone. Good for them. They like being alone, they want it, they have a smashing time,’ she tells Standard Issue magazine.
‘This is not for them. This is for those who don’t choose to be alone, but who are, for some reason, on their tod/bob/lonesome. Be it because they have no family, are estranged from their family, it’s not their turn to have the kids even just that their partner is at work, whatever. Alone and would rather not be. This is who #joinin is for.’
People on Twitter have since been sharing the impact #joinin have had on their lives:
I did #joinin 2 years ago when I was stuck in hospital, & you & the others were all so lovely to me. It made a huge difference to what was a horrific time in my life. You rock. Xx
— Claire (@Row_RowYourBoat) November 12, 2017
Spent Christmas alone in Germany five years ago. I won't be alone this year (or for many to come) but will be participating in #joinin to make sure others don't feel as lonely as I did. https://t.co/h5WYOKWaox
— Lauren (@lalamocat) November 12, 2017
I shall be joining in #joinin this year. Husband walked out and then this year my Dad died. Never have I ever felt so alone.
— Tracey (@xTJSx) November 12, 2017
And it isn’t the first time this week people have rallied around each other on Twitter.
A woman lamented that she never missed her dad more than any other time than at Christmas in the men’s department of M&S and rallied everyone together.
All together now: aww
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