Loneliness Awareness Week 2025

Loneliness Awareness Week 2025

This week is Loneliness Awareness Week, a time to shine a light on the power of connection and the importance of tackling loneliness together.

Loneliness is something many of us experience at some point in our lives, but it can often be hard to talk about. This week is all about encouraging open conversations, raising awareness, and reminding people that feeling lonely is nothing to be ashamed of.

What is loneliness?

Everyone experiences loneliness differently — it’s a deeply personal and often complex feeling.

It’s important to remember that feeling lonely is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s not your fault, and it doesn’t define you. These feelings can change over time, and with the right support, they can improve.

Loneliness can take many forms, including:

  • Emotional loneliness – feeling a lack of close relationships, like a trusted friend or partner

  • Social loneliness – not having people to spend time with or share common interests

  • Existential loneliness – feeling alone even when you’re surrounded by others

For some, loneliness is occasional — it might come up at certain times of the week or year, such as Sundays or around the holidays. For others, it’s a more constant feeling, known as chronic loneliness.

Whatever form it takes, you’re not alone — and support is available.

Recognising the Signs of Loneliness

We often think of loneliness as an emotional feeling — like feeling disconnected or isolated — but it can also affect us physically and influence our behaviour in subtle ways.

You might notice changes such as:

  • Feeling anxious or avoiding social situations

  • Shifting your daily routines — for example, not cooking, losing interest in your appearance, or sleeping in more often

  • Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep

The Impact of Loneliness on Health

When loneliness becomes long-term or particularly intense, it can have a serious impact on both mental and physical health.

It may increase the risk of conditions such as stress, anxiety, low mood or depression. Research also shows that ongoing loneliness can even contribute to physical health issues, including a higher risk of conditions like dementia.

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, reaching out for support can make a real difference.

What Can Cause Loneliness?

Loneliness can affect anyone, and sometimes it happens without a clear reason — it’s simply how we feel.

Often though, life changes or challenges can trigger feelings of loneliness. These might include:

  • Losing someone close through bereavement or a relationship ending

  • Moving away from home, such as starting university

  • Becoming a parent and spending more time at home

  • Living with a long-term health condition or spending extended time in hospital

  • Taking on a full-time caring role

These changes can leave us feeling isolated, even if we’re not physically alone.

If you’re feeling this way, know that support is available — you don’t have to go through it on your own.

Simple Ways to Tackle Loneliness

1. Keep in touch
Regular chats with friends or family, even a quick message or phone call, can lift your mood — and theirs. Don’t wait for others to reach out — take the first step.

2. Join a group
Find local clubs, classes, or online groups that match your interests. Being part of something shared makes it easier to connect.

3. Do what you enjoy
Hobbies, time in nature, listening to music or podcasts — even small activities you enjoy can help shift your focus and improve your wellbeing.

4. Talk about it
Sharing how you feel with someone you trust can really help. Avoid comparing yourself to others — especially on social media — as we never see the full picture.

5. Reach out to others
A smile, a hello, or a simple text can mean a lot. Think about those around you who may be feeling the same — helping them might help you, too.

6. Get involved locally
Volunteering or joining local events is a great way to meet people and feel part of your community. There are lots of free or low-cost activities happening year-round — see what’s on in your area.

Where to Find Help and Support for Loneliness

If you’re feeling lonely — or you’re worried about someone else — there’s support available.

The Every Minds Matters website offers advice, audio guides, and practical tools to help manage feelings of loneliness.

Here are some other organisations that can help:

Emergency Care

  • For all life threatening emergencies call 999.

First Response Service

The Samaritans

The Moorings

Talkworks

Young Devon

Qwell

  • A free, anonymous, confidential, digital mental health support
  • Visit the Qwell website

Mind

  • Offers helpful information, tips, and support for anyone struggling with loneliness.
  • Visit the Mind website

NSPCC – Building Connections

  • A free 11-week course for young people to help them understand and manage loneliness with support from a trained befriender.
  • Learn more about the Building Connections programme

The Silver Line

Page created: 9th June 2025

Page updated: 9th June 2025