Last year, Office for National Statistics released data confirming that 10% of young people, aged 16 to 24, feel lonely on a regular basis. We might typically associate loneliness with elderly generations, but it’s something that’s effecting everyone, which is why Aboah is urging all of us to speak more openly about it.

“We need to just continue talking about things and paving the way so that others who might not feel confident enough to talk about things see other people doing it and think, ‘maybe I’m not alone. Maybe all this time I thought I was alone, the only person in the world going through this thing and actually, there are millions of other people going through it as well.’

“We’ve got to look after each other, we’ve got to love each other, even harder and even more powerful. For the person who feels alone and lost, you’re not even though you think you are. It’s so hard to, when you’re in that dark place, to tell someone it’s going to be fine but it just is.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel and any sort of strength you can muster up in yourself to pick up the phone and call someone or really tell someone honestly how you’re doing, just do it.”

You can watch the full video above, or read everything to do the rest of Aboah’s takeover here.

If you feel lonely you can call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123. Alternatively, you reach Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm on 0300 123 3393.

Image: Keziah Quarcoo

Adwoa Aboah’s 3 tried-and-tested tips for combating loneliness