A regional daily has launched a new bid to help readers get to know their neighbours better.

Sheffield daily The Star is urging people and businesses on its patch to speak and collaborate more with each other.

The Star hopes the campaign will build bridges and reduce loneliness in Sheffield by encouraging people to do good deeds for each other and take pride in their neighbourhoods.

The campaign is being run in association with the city’s Pakistani Muslim Centre and radio station Link FM.

Star staff members with supporters of the campaign

In a piece announcing the campaign’s launch, editor Nancy Fielder wrote: “Sheffield is turning a corner and there are influential people making the right noises, but it isn’t enough. There are some raw nerves in this city and plenty of touchy subjects but we must acknowledge and face the problems if they are ever going to change. Every one of us needs to make a difference.

“So today, backed by a plethora of community and voluntary groups who play a large part in making Sheffield what it is, The Star is asking you to Know Your Neighbour. One of the aims of this campaign is to challenge your thinking. Please don’t bother with, society doesn’t work like that any more or it isn’t like the old days. Utter rubbish.

“Our city is what we make it. So what actually stops you from taking time to have a conversation with your own neighbours?

“Another aim is to highlight the brilliant work already taking place. We want the right people to know there are groups out there offering help and support. We also want to shine a spotlight on the neighbourhoods that demolish negative attitudes and the kind of people who have convinced me that individuals do make a difference.”