Emotional support is important, but now given the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever. People across the UK have been struggling with the emotional and psychological effects of lockdown... So what can be done?

Nothing is better than showing support by offering someone a hug. So, as this can't be done with our loved ones, the "Sending You A Big Hug" emoji was launched. This simple way of connecting with friends and family shows you're thinking of them, even though you can't visit or spend time with them.

Originally launched on Ross's Facebook and Twitter page with the simple message:

"We all need a hug more than ever at the moment, so we can feel loved and care for. So here’s a quick way to send those you care about a hug. Send a hug to as many people as you can – it might make a real difference to their day.”

The emoji can be downloaded and shared via social media, email or text and has already been shared hundreds of times. The emoji features two hugging figures coloured with the rainbow which have been adopted as a symbol of hope, during the pandemic. Ross further said:

"The figures are deliberately generic, so that they can represent every relationship type there is. For some people it could be a man hugging his wife, for others it could be a woman hugging her mother or a child hugging a grandparent."

“This lockdown may be a necessary step to take to protect physical health, but it may well come at a cost to people’s emotional and mental health."

“People need to feel that they have not been forgotten about and have the chance to show others that they care.”