The switch to RAW Packaging for their delivery boxes is the next step in the brand’s pledge to do better for the people and the planet. The company is motivated by its ethical and environmental beliefs and are committed to operating its business as a force for good which is supported by their B Corp certification. The brand already uses endlessly recyclable aluminium cans for their entire range which has saved over 99 tonnes of plastic waste. Jimmy’s Iced Coffee sees the trial with RAW packaging as another important step on its sustainability journey.

RAW Packaging is made from agricultural crop waste and is manufactured in exactly the same way as corrugated board, with the same capabilities and recycled in the exact same way, minus the trees. The packaging made from crop waste utilises virgin fibres, providing enhanced strength and durability compared to recycled boxes. Jimmy’s Iced Coffee can consequently reduce the GSM (grams per square meter) of their boxes, leading to an overall improvement in sustainability. The shift from double wall to single wall boxes not only minimises material usage but also boosts pallet quantities, effectively reducing the carbon footprint.

The final product has the strength of traditional cardboard, printing to the material maintains an incredibly high standard, and it passed ECT and BCT tests that standard cardboard carton undertakes, with the added perk of the paper used to produce the cardboard reducing carbon emissions by 28%.

An LCA completed on the paper used to create RAW packaging shows that it is 100% recyclable, biodegradable, marine safe, compostable and energy saving compared to standard corrugated material and ethically sourced, making the partnership between Jimmy’s Iced Coffee and RAW packaging a match made in Mother Nature’s embrace.

Ben Nethersole, Jimmy’s Head of Operations, enthused: “This trial using RAW packaging is an excellent match with our pledge to always do better for the people and the planet. We are dedicated to working with other companies and communities to ensure a better future. We have already worked hard to reduced emissions in our supply chain and this trial will give us the opportunity to reduce them further. We can’t wait to get started with it.”

To learn more about RAW Packaging, visit their website https://raw-packaging.co.uk. For more information on Jimmy’s Iced Coffee please visit https://www.jimmysicedcoffee.com/

Visit www.jimmysicedcoffee.com and follow @jimmysicedcoffee on social media. For more information, please contact Abi Chapman, Brand Executive; ac@jimmysicedcoffee.com  or call 07494213845

About Jimmy’s:

Jimmy’s Iced Coffee is a renowned brand known for its refreshing and high-quality Iced Coffee products which is why it has become a beloved choice for Iced Coffee enthusiasts both nationwide and internationally. Jim Cregan’s ‘lightbulb’ moment came after becoming hooked on Iced Coffee during a trip to Australia and returning to the UK to find supermarket shelves lacking in a thirst-quenching equivalent, that wasn’t too sweet. Following a few rounds of taste tests in Jim’s sister Suze’s café in Bournemouth, Jimmy’s Iced Coffee was born.

Today Jimmy’s is a nationally recognised brand with sales set to exceed 15m units this year. Stocked in both independent stores and cafes, alongside supermarkets such as Waitrose, Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Co-op. The brands Iced Coffee comes in endlessly recyclable aluminium cans and the UK’s first BottleCan™. A favoured lunchtime pick-me-up, Jimmy’s is also included in the Meal Deal option in Tesco and Co-op. Jimmy’s is stocked in over 7,000 stores nationwide and available through multiple wholesale channels. The brand can also be found in select Wetherspoon pubs.

About RAW Packaging:

Zero tree packaging is a revolutionary new solution that offers a promising alternative to traditional paper packing options. The traditional process of making paper and cardboard involves cutting down virgin trees and creating a mulch which is the basis for the process. RAW replaces the virgin wood with agricultural crop waste such as wheat and sugar cane bagasse. By doing this, the process completely eliminates the need for any deforestation and uses a material that would otherwise be going to waste.

Created by Test Valley Ltd, a well-established packaging company that focus on providing new sustainable innovations that help businesses reduce their environmental impact.

Website: www.raw-packaging.co.uk

Nutritional’s:

Jimmy’s entire ready-to-drink range uses only Rainforest Alliance certified Arabica coffee beans and is HFSS Compliant. The range includes their Original, Mocha, Caramel, Strong and Oat- for those who are dairy-free.

Website: www.jimmysicedcoffee.com

Facebook: facebook.com/jimmysicedcoffee

Instagram: jimmysicedcoffee

TikTok: jimmysicedcoffee

The post PRESS RELEASE: Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Initiates Transition to Zero Tree Packaging appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

Zero Deforestation Commitment:

A Zero Deforestation Commitment is becoming a popular choice for sustainability businesses. It is a proactive pledge to eliminate any contribution to deforestation caused by their operations or supply chains. This commitment involves adopting sustainable practices that prevent the clearance of forests to produce commodities such as palm oil, soy, beef, and timber.

By adhering to a Zero Deforestation Commitment, businesses commit to sourcing raw materials responsibly, promoting conservation, and avoiding activities that contribute to the destruction of valuable ecosystems. This commitment not only helps mitigate the negative environmental impacts of deforestation but also demonstrates a dedication to corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices.

The Science Behind Deforestation:

Deforestation stands as a significant contributor to climate change, biodiversity loss, and disrupted ecosystems. As trees are felled, the carbon they store is released back into the atmosphere, intensifying greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, deforestation disrupts the water cycle, disrupts habitats, and threatens countless species. The Amazon rainforest, for instance, is often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” due to its role in producing oxygen and sequestering carbon dioxide.

Although we have responsibly managed forests organisations such as FSC, the issue of illegal deforestation and many of the disadvantages of cutting down trees remains.

What is Zero Tree Packaging:

Zero Tree Packaging is a pioneering solution that offers a promising alternative to traditional packaging materials. Instead, it utilises crop waste, such as wheat straw and sugar cane bagasse, to create eco-friendly packaging solutions. By repurposing agricultural by-products that would otherwise go to waste, Zero Tree Packaging reduces the demand for new raw materials and minimises the need for deforestation.

The question we ask is, if we don’t have to cut down trees to make packaging, then why would we?

Key Benefits of Zero Tree Packaging:

• Sustainability: Using crop waste to create packaging reduces the pressure on forests and conserves valuable ecosystems.
• Carbon Sequestration: Agricultural waste materials used in Zero Tree Packaging can be a means of sequestering carbon, counteracting emissions.
• Resource Conservation: By repurposing waste, this approach conserves water, energy, and other resources that would otherwise be used in the production of traditional packaging materials.
• Supporting Farmers: Zero Tree Packaging supports local farming communities by providing an additional revenue stream from their crop waste.
• Biodegradability: These packaging materials are often biodegradable and compostable, reducing waste in landfills and oceans.

The Future of Sustainable Packaging:

The potential impact of Zero Tree Packaging on reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable practices is substantial. As consumers and businesses increasingly prioritise eco-friendly choices, the demand for alternatives to conventional packaging materials is on the rise. This innovative solution has the potential to revolutionise industries that heavily rely on packaging while addressing the dire need to curb deforestation.

In conclusion, deforestation remains a critical global concern with implications for climate, biodiversity, and more. Zero Tree Packaging emerges as a beacon of hope, offering an inventive approach that taps into agricultural waste to create sustainable packaging alternatives. As the world seeks viable solutions to combat deforestation, embracing such eco-friendly innovations could mark a pivotal step towards a more sustainable and greener future.

The post What is Zero Tree Packaging? appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

Global temperatures rising, sea levels rising and a range of damaging effects that are caused by our day-to-day practices. It’s inevitable that humanity will continue innovating new alternatives to prevent these effects, or at least slow them down.

Deforestation and forest degradation are important drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss — the two key environmental challenges of our time. According to the United Nations, 420 million hectares of forest was lost between 1990 and 2020, that’s an area larger than the European Union!

As it stands, we cut down a massive 15 billion trees every single year, 60% of which goes to make paper and board, with only 5 billion being replanted.

The intergovernmental Panel that tackles climate change have estimated that 23% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions came from agriculture, forestry and other land use between 2007-2016. 11% of overall greenhouse gas emissions are primarily generated from deforestation.

Deforestation is currently responsible for around 10% of all global warming, therefore the current climate crisis of global warming cannot be stopped without putting an end to cutting down trees.

As trees absorb and store carbon dioxide, when forests are disturbed, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. It’s crucial we take action now!

What if packaging could be manufactured to offer the exact same quality, strength and appearance of corrugated boards but without cutting down any trees at all?The launch of agricultural crop waste packaging is a refreshing and invigorating step towards sustainability, but how does it compare to traditional packaging?

Agricultural crop waste packaging compared to traditional wood-fibre packaging:

How it’s made:

• Made from reusing crop waste that would otherwise be incinerated, put into landfill or in some occasions a small amount is using to provide energy to
  buildings.
• The exact same process for making traditional paper, is used for making agri-waste paper with a very slight increase in water usage.
• It uses zero trees in the entire process

Performance:

• Agri-waste paper when converted to packaging such as board, acts stronger because the fibres are virgin as opposed to recycled. Meaning a lower board grade can be used to create stronger boxes.
• Printing, quality and styles are all exactly the same as traditional wood fibre products

Sustainability

• An LCA completed on crop-waste paper shows a reduction in carbon emissions by 28% compared to wood-fibre paper.
• Reduces deforestation, the more agri-waste packaging is recognised, the more forests will start to thrive.
• Prevents loss of biodiversity and protects nature by not disturbing forests.
• A by-product of crop that is used for food, meaning the land that is used to collect the waste is being utilised correctly.

Supply Chain

• There is a huge supply of crop waste available, 140Mt (Metric Tonnes) of Indian crop waste is either burnt up into the atmosphere or put into landfill.
• Supply from India has been trialled and tested by RAW Packaging, with paper available now in the UK and a short lead time from the paper mills.
• UK Trusted packaging suppliers and board corrugators are used through the process.

Accreditations

• The paper can be tracked all the way from waste collection on Indian farms.
• Specific farms that are used have been Fairtrade certified.
• An LCA has been completed using ISO14040, SimaPro9 and eco-invent. The collection of data was completed through a field assessment.

Overall, crop waste is a serious contender for creating packaging. Already in use by some of the UK’s most sustainable corporations.

We will continue to see an increase in alternative fibres to the traditional wood-fibre, as deforestation and the planets climate become increasingly at risk.

For businesses that are looking to reach new sustainability targets and goals, such as Eco-Vardis, B-Corp, Carbon Net Zero – RAW packaging will help reduce carbon footprint, show sustainable initiative, create an incredible marketing message to appeal to new and future generations.

The post How Does Agricultural Waste Packaging Compare to Traditional Wood Fibre Packaging? appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

A Powerful Marketing Message:

Your packaging serves as a silent ambassador for your brand, and it speaks volumes about your values, identity, and the essence of your products. Customising your boxes with a unique design allows you to convey a powerful marketing message directly to your target audience. Whether it’s a minimalistic and elegant look or a vibrant and playful design, bespoke packaging reinforces your brand identity and instantly catches the eye of potential customers.

Imagine your packages arriving at customers’ doorsteps, leaving a lasting impression that lingers in their minds. The design aligns with your brand, making it recognisable even from afar. As a result, your marketing efforts become more effective, as your packaging itself becomes a tool for brand recall and word-of-mouth marketing.

Encourage Returning Customers:

In the world of business, acquiring new customers is vital, but retaining existing ones is equally essential. Bespoke box design plays a crucial role in fostering customer loyalty and encouraging returning customers. When your customers receive their orders in beautifully crafted packaging, it creates a sense of excitement and anticipation.

The unboxing experience becomes an event to remember, generating positive emotions associated with your brand. As a result, customers are more likely to remember and recommend your products to their friends and family. The sense of connection and delight they experience with your brand through your packaging can be a powerful driver of customer loyalty, leading to repeat purchases and long-term relationships.

Stand Out from Competitors:

In a crowded market, differentiation is key. Off-the-shelf, generic packaging may not do justice to the uniqueness of your products. Bespoke box design empowers you to break away from the mundane and craft packaging that aligns perfectly with your brand story and values.

By showcasing your creativity and attention to detail, you create a distinct identity for your brand that sets you apart from competitors. In a world where consumers are constantly bombarded with choices, this distinctiveness can be the deciding factor that leads them to choose your product over others.

Introducing Our 3D Box Design Tool:

Embarking on the journey of bespoke box design has never been easier. Our state-of-the-art 3D box design tool is available to everyone, from small businesses to creative entrepreneurs. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, you can unleash your creativity and design packaging that perfectly represents your brand. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or someone new to the world of packaging design, our tool is designed to cater to all levels of expertise. Create, customise, and visualise your box designs in stunning 3D, ensuring that every detail meets your expectations before production.

Embrace the transformative power of bespoke box design and elevate your business to new heights. Craft packaging that tells your brand’s story, entices customers, and fosters lasting connections. With our user-friendly 3D box design tool at your fingertips, you can take control of your packaging and create a powerful marketing tool that leaves a lasting impact. Step into the world of personalised packaging and unlock the potential of your brand. Visit our 3D box design tool today and start shaping the future of your business, one box at a time.

The post Unlock the Power of Bespoke Box Design: Elevate Your Business with Personalised Packaging appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

At Test Valley we believe wherever possible, all packaging should be planet-friendly, which is why we have invested in RAW packaging, which is made from the waste generated by sugar cane plantations. Launched in 2022, RAW packaging (which stands for Reusing Agricultural Waste) is our most sustainable product yet!

Turning waste into paper

Sugar cane agriculture generates vast amounts of waste materials which in many cases is left to compost or is burnt, but modern processes have been developed to convert this waste into paper or card.

It really is a win-win situation, the farmers now receive a payment for their waste, and we receive an end-product (paper and card) that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. This means less deforestation and replanting and less toil for the farmers in disposing of a waste or bi-product that can be made into a useable item. In fact, the processes involved in converting the bi-product into card and paper are less energy consuming than making paper from wood pulp, so we produce less CO2, in fact 28% less!

The end product performance equals that of paper from wood pulp which has meant that we can manufacture high quality packaging as well as copier paper. It can also be recycled in the paper stream or composted via industrial waste streams, giving it equal circularity.

Reducing deforestation is more than planting trees

Paper can be manufactured from many fibrous plant sources such as hemp, bamboo and sugar cane, all of which grow quickly, and in abundance, and are replanted annually.

Because of the quantity of paper produced, the abundance of wood, and the amount of fibre per kg, it is still the most common material source for paper and card. Most manufacturers or forestry management companies will now plant two trees for every one cut down. Whilst trees are a renewable source, growth is slower than other potential crops, but the density of wood still means trees provide the most fibre per square metre.

Buying RAW packaging from Test Valley Packaging means that you are supporting farmers in India to re-use product that would otherwise be discarded as waste. Plus, you’d be buying a product with much lower carbon emissions than paper from wood pulp. For more information visit https://testvalleypkg.co.uk/agricultural-waste-packaging/

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We are running a Christmas box competition, create a box design using our 3D instabox tool and be in for the chance of winning a £50 Amazon Voucher or donation to a charity of your choice.

How to enter
Simply click on the link below and create, upload, design a Christmas style box using any of the cartons available, with any size, fluting or colour! 

Watch our quick demonstration video, where we use one of our loyal customers box graphics to showcase how simple the 3D design tool is to use!

Once you are all done with your box design, take a screenshot and send over to marketing@testvalleypkg.co.uk by the 10th December- our team will then vote on a winner on the 15th December!

Get Designing!

T&C Apply

• UK Entries only
• 1 Submission per person
• Submission must be in by 10th December any after that will not be counted
• After the winner is announced, you will be given the choice of an Amazon Voucher or a donation to a charity of your choice

The post Box Design Competition! appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

To help you decide, we’ve compiled some of the advantages and disadvantages of plastic and paper packaging below.

Advantages of plastic packaging

The main advantage of plastic packaging is its price. Plastic can be produced quickly and cost effectively, which is why it has become such a popular material for packaging across the globe. Other benefits of plastic packaging include its durable and lightweight qualities, making it ideal for transporting goods safely.

However, from April 2022, the UK Government is introducing a Plastic Packaging Tax on all packaging manufactured in, or imported into, the UK. This means that businesses using packaging that contains less that 30 per cent recycled plastic will have to pay a tax, so plastic packaging may no longer be the best option. 

Below you can see our latest release of products that we stock with 30% recycled content or more.

Disadvantages of plastic packaging

Plastic packaging is becoming increasingly recognised for its damaging environmental qualities. Plastic can take thousands of years to biodegrade, so single-use plastic packaging is highly polluting. Even plastic packaging that claims to be recyclable often ends up in landfill – especially with recycling capabilities varying from council to council in the UK.

When plastic does degrade, small plastic molecules release toxins which can poison soil, rendering local land infertile. These molecules can also infiltrate waterways and damage delicate ecosystems.

The plastic production process is also damaging to the environment. Most plastic is produced as cheaply as possible in factories based in developing countries where there are limited laws on pollution. These factories release copious amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and many also discharge toxic waste and manufacturing by-products into local bodies of water.

Advantages of paper packaging

Unlike its plastic counterpart, paper packaging does not damage the environment. Paper packaging can be 100 per cent recyclable and is easy to recycle for customers – packaging can simply be disposed of in home recycling bins, unlike many types of ‘recyclable’ plastic.

Paper packaging derives from natural sources so no harmful, carbon dioxide-emitting production processes are involved. Test Valley Packaging’s paper packaging products use paper from FSC-certified forests which are managed sustainably, ensuring that there is no detrimental impact to the environment with excessive deforestation.

Although paper packaging may be initially more expensive than plastic packaging, it can be more cost-effective for businesses in the long run. Test Valley Packaging’s paper packaging products, such as Paper Bubble Wrap, take up 80 per cent less space when flat and increase packing speeds by up to 50 per cent.

Paper packaging is also an excellent way to promote your brand ethos. With more and more consumers looking to spend their money ethically, positioning your brand as environmentally friendly can give sales a boost. Packaging your goods in paper products communicates your sustainable values to customers – plus any others who see your packaging in transit. 

Disadvantages of paper packaging

Some paper packing – especially low-quality products – can be less durable than plastic packaging. To solve this problem, Protega Paper has a cutting-edge design with creases and crimples to ensure that it is highly durable.

Paper packaging can cost more than plastic packaging. However, with innovative packing machines, clever packing techniques and space-saving product design, paper packaging can save your business money with increased efficiency and reduced packaging materials.

Get in touch with Test Valley Packaging today to discuss switching to paper packaging.

The post Pros and Cons of Paper and Plastic Packaging appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

Your packaging is the first experience the consumer has with your brand, so it’s crucial to make sure it reflects who you are and the quality of your products. 

What is Branded Packaging? 

Let’s start with the obvious – what actually is branded packaging? Branded packaging is exactly what it sounds like. It gives businesses the ability to personalise the container, protective packaging, or any additional material that comes with a purchase of their products. 

When starting a business, packaging can often become an afterthought. Brands seem to focus so much on the product that they can forget the importance of the packaging it sits in. Recent research by Inc shows that 95% of new products fail, due to the fact most consumers judge a brand based on their first impressions alone. Bespoke packaging helps to enhance these initial impressions a consumer has with your brand, allowing you to make a memorable impact. 

Why is Branded Packaging Important?

It allows for quality 

Branded packaging adds quality to your products and helps to leave the consumer feeling valued and truly appreciated. It shows the consumer that as a business you care about the engagement they have with your brand, putting time and effort into every stage of the consumer journey.

You can add personalisation  

It’s important to think outside the box. Branded packaging doesn’t always have to be a logo stamped on a cardboard box. Personalising your packaging to suit your brand’s values, tone of voice and target allows you to create a lasting impact. The more creative your packaging is, the more likely the consumer will remember you, increasing the likelihood of a repeat purchase.

Make an environmental statement 

Branded packaging also allows you to make an environmental statement. In today’s commercial climate, more and more consumers are becoming concerned about the environmental impact brands have. Some consumers will actively choose not to shop with companies if they fail to meet their own personal environmental standards. 

Making sure you use recycled, recyclable or compostable materials in your branded packaging will show your consumers that you are environmentally conscious and care about issues that matter to them. 

Better protect your product 

Ultimately, businesses use packaging to make sure their products are protected during shipping. Having a better protected and packaged product means consumers are less likely to receive damaged goods. Branded packaging is made bespoke and allows you to create tailored packaging to make sure it keeps your products as safe and secure as possible. 

If you are interested in getting branded, custom packaging made for your business, then get in touch with our team today!

The post Why Branding Your Packaging Can Benefit Your Business appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

The switch from Salisbury to the 88,000sq ft site in Andover will help deliver efficiencies to Test Valley Packaging’s operations and enhanced service levels to customers. The investment represents a continuing commitment to customers to provide a truly sustainable packaging solution and an extension to the UK manufacturing capacity.  The spend includes new offices, racking for the storage facility and a state of the art manufacturing plant, enabling a considerable reduction in supply chain lead time.

Test Valley has been a leading supplier of sustainable packaging to the South West of England for over 40 years. By upgrading its operations, the new manufacturing facility will help the company deliver further efficiencies that will boost the drive for more innovative and eco-friendly products, such as the revolutionary Hexcel Wrap ‘paper bubble wrap’.

Managing Director, Jerry Steedman commented: “We are capitalising on the opportunity that this ‘blank canvas’ affords to design both our manufacturing and storage facilities to be fit for the future. With greater capacity we will have the advantage of smarter buying and bespoke stock holding, which will help protect customers from any supply chain disruption as well as minimise their carbon footprint.”

Refocusing on planet friendly packaging solutions, Test Valley is focusing its innovative approach on launching new sustainable options throughout 2022. The company aims to reach new markets across Europe and the UK to follow on from the success of its suite of paper cushioning and void fill machines. 

Andover was chosen primarily because of its proximity and excellent road links to the firm’s current site, meaning less staff disruption. The excellent transport links have the additional benefit of reducing carbon emissions and driving efficiencies. It is also a return to where Test Valley packaging was originally established and provides an excellent opportunity to work with more customers in that area.

Test Valley is so excited at the opportunities the larger premises will offer it is planning an open day (date to be announced). Both existing and new customers will be able to tour the facility to see for themselves the impressive set-up and learn about the earth friendly solutions Test Valley Packaging are developing. 

The post PRESS RELEASE: GROWTH STRATEGY LEADS TO NEW FACILITY FOR TEST VALLEY PACKAGING appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

On the website mentalhealth.org.uk there is advice on how to overcome and how to help others to cope with loneliness and to improve your mental health. This their advice below:

Dealing with loneliness can be difficult. But there are things we can all do to cope with loneliness and prevent some of the negative feelings and mental health problems that can come with it. Here are some coping strategies that you might find useful.

1. Try to do some enjoyable things that will keep you busy 

One way of trying to manage loneliness is by keeping busy and doing things we enjoy. This might be a hobby such as a bit of gardening, going to the gym or even sorting out your kitchen cupboards, jigsaws, puzzles or knitting. Small activities can give you energy and positive feelings. It’s important these things are fun or fulfilling.

Be careful about working too hard or watching TV shows simply as a distraction. These will only delay or suppress your feelings and could actually make your mental health worse.

2. Try to do things that stimulate your mind 

Activities that occupy your mind can help with loneliness. This can include the benefits of taking courses or listening to podcasts on topics from comedy to fitness. This can be stimulating and something as simple as listening to the familiar voice of someone you like can help you feel less lonely.

3. Think about doing a physical activity 

Physical exercise can help with loneliness. It can be as simple as having a walk in the park when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Alternatively, you could listen to music and do a bit of dancing around your living room. (Be aware of your neighbours though!) 

4. Try to engage with the people you meet in your daily life. 

It can be hard to talk to others when you’re feeling lonely. However, trying to connect with the people you meet as you go about your day can be helpful. Even catching someone’s eye and saying “hi” as you walk along can make you feel better. Or it could be about saying hello to the postwomen or postman or going to the shops and talking to the person at the checkout. By sharing a polite greeting – you might find you give someone else a positive lift too.

5. Find people that ‘get you’ 

It can be hard to connect with others when you’re feeling lonely. But there are great benefits in finding people who have been through similar experiences to you. Interacting with others that ‘get’ you can give you a sense of belonging that may be missing. People who have been there have found connections in local groups or social media.

6. Spend time with pets 

If you are lucky enough to have a pet, it can be a great way of managing loneliness. Not only do animals provide us with unconditional love and support, but they also help to give structure to our days and even encourage us to get out and connect with others. Interaction with pets is also shown to help reduce stress levels.

7. Try to use social media in a positive way 

Social media can help your mental health. But it can also affect it negatively. The key is to use it in a positive way. Finding digital communities, you share interests and passions with can help. Most importantly be aware of how you feel when you use social media and focus on topics and activities that work best for you.

8. Talking therapies can help 

Talking through your feelings with a counsellor or therapist can help you cope with your feelings of loneliness. Talking therapy can be hard to get – but if you can find a professional, it can really be of benefit. It’ll provide you with a safe space to work through your feelings and thoughts without judgement. Check out your local resources by visiting the NHS website.

How to support other people who are feeling lonely

1. Don’t judge or stigmatise

It’s important not to judge or stigmatise people who feel lonely. Stigma around loneliness is a huge barrier to the kind of open and genuine conversations that can help. It’s more important to be aware of just how common loneliness is. It’s a normal feeling that all of us are likely to experience at some time in our lives. Telling other people that their poor mental health is the reason why they are feeling lonely is really not helpful.

2. Try to make groups welcoming to other people

It can be difficult for people who are feeling lonely to join a group like a club. This might be because people are shy or feel nervous about existing relationships in the group which they don’t feel part of. It’s important to be aware of this and try to make groups be as welcoming as possible to newcomers. Flexibility around things like how often people attend is also important.

3. Try to listen and show understanding

A great way to help a friend or family member is simply to listen. People who have experienced loneliness relate how they valued friends who really considered what they might enjoy and were even willing to join them in some shared activities. Having an understanding and compassionate approach, and not ignoring the person’s experience, will help them to feel heard and understood.

The post Mental Health Awareness Week appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.