Sign the petition for a (Less Scroll) ‘More Soul’ UK Bank Holiday
Why? Britain needs a breather... an annual reset for our overwhelmed lives.
A day where the nation logs off, looks up, and reconnects. This isn’t just another campaign for an extra bank holiday (although everyone loves those), it’s about an annual, government-enforced opportunity to not only build awareness for the grip tech has on so many of us but remind us of the things that matter in a healthy, functioning society: people, place and presence. For one day a year putting the emphasis on ‘local’ in a world increasingly overwhelmed by the weight of global problems; on doing rather than watching others do.
This bank holiday would be designed to be spent logged-off, out-of-office-on, phones away and with scroll-paused - with the day reclaimed for in-person activities that support community initiatives or mental health. Not anti-tech, but pro-human and pro-intentionality. Employers and local charities can come together under the umbrella, connecting employees with meaningful projects that unite communities: grass-roots arts and sports, youth initiatives, litter picking and regeneration or environmental projects and/or encouraging time for more soulful activities like reading, nature, sport and physical hobbies.
When? The First Friday in October
Summer's long gone and there’s an increasingly cold (and wet!) slog til Christmas. The back-to-school and work impetus has diminished with screen use spiking. A bank holiday around this time would provide a collective reset before winter (and the workplace Q4) and coincide with World Mental Health Day (Oct 10) and National Work Life Week.
Calls to action:
Sign this petition to get the government’s to explore this possibility - in the process, shining light on this society-wide challenge
Log off for a cause: Pledge to take part, and spend the day away from devices... in community, nature, sport or even just reading a book
#MoreSoulDay: Share your offline plans, photos, or reflections (the previous or following day!)
Get your company involved: encourage your workplace to back the initiative
(Once signed, don’t forget to click on the inbox link to confirm your email otherwise your vote won’t count!)
