Loneliness Week 2024
11th June 2024
Author EditorPosted on Categories Charity
This year’s loneliness awareness week takes place from 10th to 16th June and the theme is random acts of connection.
Loneliness is a universal human emotion that most people will experience at some point in their lives. It goes beyond the physical state of being alone and can manifest even in crowded rooms or amidst a group of friends. In recent years, loneliness has gained attention as a significant public health issue due to its detrimental effects on both mental and physical well-being.
Research has shown that chronic loneliness can have severe repercussions on one’s health. It has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, depression, anxiety, and even premature death. The impact of loneliness on mental health is particularly concerning, as it can lead to feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and despair.
What is Loneliness Awareness Week?
Loneliness Awareness Week is a week dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness. It’s all about creating supportive communities by having open, honest conversations. Loneliness is a natural human emotion – we are hardwired to need social connections. By talking about it, we can support ourselves and others.
The campaign centres on a powerful message which resonates with many. It’s trended on X, formerly Twitter, reached 271.5 million people in one week with the campaign, and each year we’ve seen tens of thousands of organisations, charities and individuals get involved, including the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, Major of London, NHS trusts, and all Government departments.
Who runs the campaign?
What can the campaign achieve?
Loneliness Awareness Week is vital in increasing awareness and understanding of loneliness and we can create a more connected society.
Whilst we’re seeing an increase in discussion on the subject, stigma remains and some key misconceptions still need to be challenged. Ask anyone to picture a lonely person and most will imagine an older person living on their own. As such, we often rebuke and dismiss feelings of loneliness because ‘that doesn’t apply to me’.
By identifying and acknowledging all the times that we have personally felt and experienced loneliness, we can start to change our viewpoint, accept it and understand how to take action to manage the feeling (and our social connections) in the future.
www.lonelinessawarenessweek.org/about
How can we help locally?
Together Co is a charity in Brighton and Hove which supports people in its community by creating connections.
It operates a network of more than 500 volunteers, who deliver support across the city to people who are lonely or socially isolated.
The issue of loneliness is endemic with 8% of people in Brighton and Hove saying they often or always feel lonely, according to ONS research.
But loneliness is a symptom of a far bigger issue; poor social health that results from people feeling a lack of connection or belonging.
Together Co wants Brighton and Hove to become the social health capital of the UK and is asking you to help improve the wellbeing of your communities.
Social health is defined by our connections and the quality of relationships which fundamentally impact our well-being.
Get involved
Get involved by volunteering and giving your time to connect with others across Brighton and Hove. Volunteering roles can be flexed around your busy schedule.
Put on an event or take on a challenge to fundraise for Together Co. Not only will you be bringing people together, but you will be helping the charity to reach more people across the city.
Spread the word by telling people about Together Co and the work it does. Talk about social health and loneliness, connection and community. All it takes is a conversation to start making a difference.
If you are interested in finding out more about social health and what Together Co does, or you would like to find out more about volunteering, visit