Loneliness is a deeply human experience—something we all feel at times, yet often struggle to talk about.
Registered charity, The Marmalade Trust, created Loneliness Awareness Week in 2017 to raise awareness and help combat loneliness.
This year’s theme, Meeting Loneliness Together, encourages open conversations and collective action to reduce the stigma surrounding loneliness.
Loneliness can affect anyone—regardless of age, gender, background, or circumstance.
It’s not just about being alone.
We can sometimes feel lonely in a busy room full of our nearest and dearest. It’s about feeling disconnected, unseen, or unsupported.
Prolonged loneliness can impact mental and physical health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and even heart disease.
By raising awareness, we can help people feel less isolated and more empowered to reach out, connect, and support one another.
And it’s easier to do than you think. Please take some time this week to:
- Start a conversation: Ask someone how they’re really doing.
- Saying “Hello” or smiling at the neighbour we don’t know.
- Host a community event: A coffee morning, shared lunch, or walk can go a long way.
- Volunteer for a befriending charity: There are lots of regional charities that provide support and companionship for elderly or vulnerable members of the community.
- Share your story: Talking about your own experiences of loneliness can help others feel less alone and open up too.
If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness or mental health, these organisations are here to help:
Marmalade Trust
- Focus: Raising awareness and reducing the stigma of loneliness.
- Website: https://www.marmaladetrust.org/
Mind
- Focus: Mental health support and advocacy.
- Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/
- Helpline: 0300 123 3393
The Silver Line
- Focus: Free, confidential helpline for older people.
- Website: https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
- Helpline: 0800 4 70 80 90 (24/7)
Campaign to End Loneliness
- Focus: Research and community action to tackle loneliness.
- Website: https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/
CAP UK (Christians Against Poverty)
- Focus: Tackling the link between debt and isolation.
- Website: https://capuk.org/
Final Thoughts
Loneliness is not a weakness—it’s a signal that we need connection. This Loneliness Awareness Week, let’s come together to listen, support, and remind each other that no one has to face loneliness alone.
#LonelinessAwarenessWeek
EDI News 