A charity has launched its annual Tree of Light campaign.

Communicare, based in Southampton, aims to tackle loneliness through sponsored festive lights, each representing a loved one or special cause, to be switched on in November and December.

These lights will adorn a pine tree in Woolston Millennium Garden and a tree at St Mark’s Church, Archers Road.

Each light can be sponsored with a minimum donation of £8, with the names of those commemorated recorded in a remembrance book, which will also be published on the charity’s website.

Photographs, short poems, verses, or tributes can also be submitted for inclusion in the book.

Annie Clewlow, communicare’s manager, said: "We’ve launched our 16th annual charity Tree of Light campaign to help generate awareness of loneliness – which is known as society’s ‘silent epidemic’ – across all generations in Southampton in the run up to the yuletide. We’re hoping people will sponsor lights on our trees to help fundraise for us and the work we do at a neighbourhood level.

"We’ve also two, free, festive tree light-up events, one in Woolston Millennium Garden on November 30 and another at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road on December 1. We’d like as many people as possible to come along to enjoy these celebratory events, which are open to all, regardless of whether you’ve sponsored a light or not.

"We’re delighted that the city’s 802nd Right Worshipful Mayor, and third Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor David Shields will be joining us to flick the switch at both events this year. Our switch-ons are jolly and inclusive occasions and represent the chance to highlight issues related to loneliness, especially during the festivities."

Communicare hopes the campaign will help combat loneliness and isolation during the festive period. The charity offers support to lonely and isolated people across the city.

For sponsorship forms and more information about the 2024 Tree of Light campaign and events, visit communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.