Loneliness Awareness Week

Launched by Marmalade Trust, 12 – 18 June 2023 is Loneliness Awareness Week. This week is dedicated to creating supportive Communities by having conversations with family, friends or Colleagues about loneliness.

You are not alone
Feeling lonely is something that can affect anyone at any point in their lives, even if you are surrounded by friends and family, you could still struggle to feel connection with those close to you.

Whilst we’re seeing an increase in open talk about loneliness, there is still a stigma and there are some key things that we need to challenge.

There are plenty of small yet impactful ways that you can help raise awareness of loneliness this week, or support someone that you think may be struggling. Here are just a few ideas:

• Introduce yourself to a neighbour – even better if you bring cake!
• Make an effort to meet a friend you haven’t seen in a while for coffee
• Fundraise for charity with a sponsored silence or quiet hour to raise awareness.
  
  

Ian’s story
Ian, one of our Customers, had lost touch with many of his friends whilst looking after his wife, and after she sadly died, he didn’t know who to turn to during those difficult moments.

Ian reached out to Places for People, who were able to get in touch with a local community centre who mentioned that the Heritage Centre were looking for volunteers to run monthly talks.

Ian completed multiple volunteer shifts at the Heritage Centre, something that he feels has brought some happiness into his life. He is also a regular attendee of the lunch clubs run at the local community centre where he’s connected with likeminded people and made firm friends.

“I now have a seat saved for me by the other gentleman at the lunch club and have been invited to a working men’s club for their monthly get together. The heritage centre volunteer role has brought me so much joy.”

Where to find help
Please click here for more information on Loneliness Awareness Week.

Ian is just one example of how reaching out for some support can help turn the feeling of loneliness around. At Places for People, our team are always on hand to find support if you are struggling. Please get in touch with our team by emailing wellbeingmatters@placesforpeople.co.uk if you need any support. 

Alternatively, we also provide a range of projects that offer employment support, digital learning and wellbeing programmes for our Customers. For more information about the projects in your area, please click here.