A TEENAGER is urging other young people to find ways to stay connected with friends this summer to prevent isolation and loneliness.

Research by the National Citizen Service (NCS) has revealed more than half of young people expect to feel isolated during the holidays, with a quarter finding school holidays the loneliest time of year.

Of the 2,000 teenagers surveyed, almost two thirds said they would talk to their friends every day on social media, yet only 14 per cent would see them as regularly in person.

One in 20 teenagers, meanwhile, said they did not expect to see a single friend during the holidays.

Claudia Titton, from Willington, County Durham, has experienced loneliness in the past but has made new friends through NCS, a government-backed youth empowerment programme that brings 15 to 17-year-olds together for a summer of adventure and discovery.

Claudia, 17, said: “I always used to look forward to the summer holidays but it can be a long break if you don’t have anything planned. Before going on NCS I sometimes felt really lonely and actually pretty bored just sitting at home not physically seeing my friends.

“When I signed up to NCS I was worried that, although I would have something to do over the summer holiday, I wouldn’t be with my own friends. As soon as I arrived, I realised everyone was in the same boat as me and we were excited to get to know each other. We all became really close and had so much fun.”

To find out more, visit ncsyes.co.uk.