1 Million Minutes 2017
1 Million Minutes is Good Morning Britain’s award-winning campaign to encourage all of us to give as little as 30 minutes of our time to help someone who is lonely.
Our aim is to get as many minutes as possible to help people this Christmas and into 2018.
So what do I need to do?
It’s really easy. All you need to do is click the pledge button below telling us how many minutes of your time you want to pledge. Then scroll down below to find the volunteer opportunities available. If you are interested in finding one near you, then click here for opportunities on the Neighbourly website.
So what are you waiting for? Make a new year's resolution to help someone who is lonely in 2018.
And we would love you to tell us what you're pledging to do. Email us at gmb@itv.com or share it on Facebook or Twitter with #1MillionMinutes.
Our main partners are: Action for Children, Age UK, Carers UK, Contact the Elderly, Independent Age, the Royal Voluntary Service, Campaign to End Loneliness, The Silver Line and the [Jo Cox Commission]( http://www.greatgettogether.org/million-minutes/) on Loneliness.
We are also offering people the chance to volunteer for local events and local charities dealing with loneliness through the Neighbourly website.
You can also just tell us about personal pledges you have made - whether it’s visiting a neighbour, or phoning someone you know who would appreciate the call this Christmas - by emailing us or share your pledge online on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #1MiIlionMinutes.
So what are you waiting for? Please pledge now. It only takes a minute to make someone's day.
Here's how you can use those minutes...
30 minutes only
Say hello to a neighbour you don’t normally talk to and invite them over for a chat or a cup of tea. Don't forget to tell us about your pledge #1MillionMinutes
Visit a carer in your community who may be feeling socially isolated and show them how they can access support from Carers UK
Start a conversation - become an Action for Children Hello Volunteer and say hello at the school gate, with a neighbour or your child
90 minutes only
Accompany an older neighbour to a local event. Christmas provides lots of opportunities to take them to a festive market, church service or Christmas party. Tell us about your contributions #1MillionMinutes
Volunteer at a local project - there are lots that work with people suffering loneliness - everything from using sporting memories to taking chickens into care homes! Find out more at Neighbourly.
Call or visit an older friend or relative over the Christmas period. Tell us about it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #1MiIlionMinutes.
Become a Swap 'n' Shopper by hosting an Action for Children Swap ’n’ Shop and bring together people in your community for a fun shopping and social event ·
450 minutes a week (one day)
Do you fancy volunteering for just a day at a project close to your home? It could be for Christmas or in the New Year. Find out what's available near you at Neighbourly.
60 minutes a week
Help someone home from hospital by becoming a Royal Voluntary Service volunteer. Help support older people as they leave hospital, settle in at home and get back on their feet.
Raise awareness of the services of The Silver Line through working with organisations and Individuals in your local community
Spread the word to people who are lonely by pledging to give out Independent Age loneliness packs in your local community
Volunteer at a local project. There are lots of local opportunities. Find out more at Neighbourly.
120 minutes a week
Become a tea party group co-ordinator and ensure the smooth running of the Contact the Elderly tea parties by communicating with drivers, hosts and guests
Lunch or dining club volunteers at the Royal Voluntary Service bring older people together to enjoy a hot nutritious meal and socialise with friends at the same time
Become a hospital cafe, shop or trolley volunteer for the Royal Voluntary Service and serve refreshments to patients, staff and visitors and be a friendly and compassionate point of contact
Become a volunteer co-ordinator for Royal Voluntary Service to set up and run new services or activities in their local areas e.g. lunch club, art class, social club, dance class etc
120 minutes a month
Become a digital volunteer with Action for Children to use the power of social media to help tackle loneliness
Have a regular phone chat with an older person and pledge to make regular calls or visits as an Independent Age volunteer
Pledge to volunteer for Age UK's telephone befriending service, Call in Time, and have a regular friendly chat on the phone with an older person once a week
180 minutes a month
Drive an older person to a monthly tea party. Offer companionship to older people by picking them up, driving them to a Contact the Elderly tea party and returning them home safely.
Or, become a tea party host. Welcome a small group of older people and their volunteer drivers into your home for a Contact the Elderly tea twice a year.
Volunteer to help at a social event such as a coffee morning with your local Age UK
Join the phone helpline team for The Silver Line in Blackpool and help brighten the spirits of older people by having a friendly chat