Brits lack time to speak to co-workers

A new Age UK survey reveals that 65% of Brits have gone a whole day without speaking to anyone in the workplace.

However, it is not necessarily because people don't want to have a chinwag at work - the major reason given for avoiding a natter is a lack of time, with 41% saying they just don't have enough. 

Interestingly almost half say they would feel isolated (41%) and lonely (38%) if they had no one to talk to in the office, and that they feel positive (61%) after a quick chat with their colleagues. 

Having a good chat can help at work in other ways too: it helps teams bond on a social level and it's even been proven that regular breaks can help our brains and bodies too, leading to better health and wellbeing.

Sign up for The Big Chinwag

With this in mind, Age UK is encouraging people to sign up to ‘The Big Chinwag' - its nationwide fundraiser on Friday 19 June that encourages Brits to get ‘chin-wagging' for charity.

Age UK is calling on schools, businesses, friends and families up and down the country to take the opportunity to have a break from their daily routine in order to enjoy the company of others, have fun and to feel good - and at the same time help raise vital funds to help combat loneliness.

Chinwagging has positive effects on health and wellbeing

It's the perfect excuse to make time for that much needed catch up with a close friend that keeps getting postponed or get to know colleagues that are not on first name terms.

Leading psychologist, Gladeana McMahon, says:

'Research shows that having a chinwag has positive effects for an individual's physical and emotional health and well-being. 

'Chinwags also help deal with isolation and relieve stress. The little chats about nothing in particular, but everything in general, can make a real difference.'

The Charity is urging as many people as possible to get behind its Big Chinwag fundraiser on 19 June as sadly, Age UK figures show that 1 million older people describe themselves as always or often feeling lonely and nearly half of older people (49% of 65+ UK) say that television or pets are their main form of company.

Help us combat loneliness

Laurie Boult, Head of Fundraising at Age UK, said:

'At Age UK we know how devastating loneliness can be, and it's a huge issue affecting many older people all year round - that's why we are encouraging people to sign up to The Big Chinwag today and be part of the country's biggest conversation. 

'Taking a break and getting to know colleagues better or having a natter with friends and family will not only add some light relief to your day, it will help us raise vital funds to combat loneliness.'

How to get involved

There are lots of ways to organise a Big Chinwag event anywhere - whether it's at work, at school or in the local community.

Go to www.ageuk.org.uk/bigchinwag to sign up and download a fundraising pack. 

Age UK has also launched its own Chinmaker app, where people can share an image of their own ‘pimped up' chin on social media to help raise awareness of The Big Chinwag, go to www.ageuk.org.uk/chinmaker for more details.

The money raised will help Age UK deliver its much needed national and local services to help combat loneliness.