Clare Balding, Gary Barlow, Rio Ferdinand and Rylan Clark-Neal have joined BT’s +1 movement, a nationwide campaign that aims to beat loneliness by encouraging people to add someone they care about back into their lives via a video call, a message, or a DM.

With feelings of acute loneliness increasing during lockdown, the latest campaign is an example of how BT’s Skills for Tomorrow programme is helping people make the most of life in the digital world, through the power of technology.

In the series of short films set to be released throughout the week, audiences will see sporting icons Balding and Ferdinand, popstar Barlow, and presenter Clark-Neal, reconnect with special people in their lives they’ve lost touch with. As well as providing tips and tutorials on how to make the most out of different technology this festive season.

To help inspire the UK public to reach out to loved ones they have lost touch with during this tumultuous time, BT has today launched its +1 hub which features tips and resources from the UK’s leading charities on how to beat loneliness, as well as videos and guides to help the nation learn about different technologies and how to use them to reconnect this festive period.

Marc Allera, CEO BT’s Consumer division said: “In a year that’s been one of the most challenging, our responsibility as a national enabler, with the ability to help the country connect has never been more important. We are in a unique position to help millions of people reconnect and provide them with guidance on the best ways to do that. So, with the help of some of our celebrity friends, we are encouraging people to reach out and reconnect with one person they've lost touch with, whether it be an old friend, family member or colleague, over text, phone or video call, WhatsApp, a voice note or even through virtual gaming, to help beat loneliness.”

In the lead-up to Christmas, the +1 campaign will also be backed by social media influencers, who despite racking up millions of followers, understand the importance of staying connected to fend off feelings of loneliness.  

BT’s +1 campaign is an example of how its broader BT’s Skills for Tomorrow is helping 10 million people make the most of life in the digital world. The programme is completely free and designed to help everyone – from school children and teachers, to parents, businesses, jobseekers – and anyone who needs guidance getting online, or help to make the most of life. Working in partnership with leading digital skills organisations, BT have collated the best courses and information, in one easy to navigate place.