How to fight loneliness - Loneliness Awareness Week

Megan Turner
Jun 6
11 min read

Updated: Jul 28

What is Loneliness Awareness Week?

Loneliness Awareness Week (LAW) is a campaign to end loneliness. The annual occurrence is aimed at raising awareness about loneliness, educating the public on the importance of social connections and how to fight loneliness.

Loneliness Awareness Week shines a light on something we often try to hide, making us aware of what is missing — such as the craving for genuine relationships.

What are the implications of loneliness?

Loneliness can be very painful, wreaking havoc on both the mind and body. It physically activates the brain's pain centres, leading to feelings of misery, hurt, a lack of belonging, and even resentment. These are all psychologically damaging.

A study by BMC Public Health states, “loneliness and social isolation are mechanistically associated with different health outcomes”.

It explains how: Loneliness and social isolation carry a mortality risk comparable to smoking, excessive alcohol use, physical inactivity, and obesity. It is also linked to serious health issues, including heart disease, dementia, cognitive decline, increased blood pressure, and immune system issues.

In 2018, the UK even appointed a Minister for Loneliness, recognising it as a public health crisis.

Another study, published in Public Health, actually revealed that the mental health impact of loneliness is especially severe for those with low incomes. Analysing responses from over 24,000 people across 20 European countries, it found that just shy of 50 per cent of people in the lowest income group felt lonely in the past week, compared to just 15 per cent in the highest income group. This imbalance was clear, despite there being no obvious difference in social interaction with the main people in their lives (friends, family, colleagues) across these groups.

How many people take their own lives out of loneliness?

If health factors are not enough to increase the risk of early death, research by PubMed indicates that loneliness/social isolation can be paired with roughly a five times larger increase in the risk of suicide mortality.

In 2023, the UK recorded 7,055 suicides — the highest since 1999. Of course, not all suicides are directly caused by loneliness, but the strong correlation underscores the importance of addressing social isolation as part of suicide prevention efforts. In some cases, where people have easy access to social support networks, it can make a huge difference.

Loneliness is a serious public health risk — we need to treat it like one.

All about Loneliness Awareness Week

When is Loneliness Awareness Week 2025?

Loneliness Awareness Week normally commences on 9th June and ends at the end of 15th June. 2025’s campaign will also run from these dates.

Who organises Loneliness Awareness Week?

The week is organised by the UK-based charity, The Marmalade Trust, an organisation dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of loneliness. Their efforts have massively contributed to bringing the issue of loneliness into public discourse and encouraging proactive measures to address it.

There is also the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection (GILC) and partners like Humana’s Far From Alone, who work together to build societal connections.

What is the theme for Loneliness Awareness Week 2025?

The 2025 theme, ‘Meeting Loneliness Together’, highlights the importance of breaking the stigma around loneliness. This year's campaign is focused on encouraging people to talk about feeling lonely openly and pushing for collective community efforts in building meaningful relationships.

What is Loneliness Awareness Week’s aim?

Loneliness Awareness Week aims to remind everyone that they are deserving of being a part of society. The campaign focuses on taking a proactive approach when creating supportive communities, where we can show one another how to fight loneliness, together. The campaign isn’t just about highlighting the problem, but about taking action to evolve compassionate spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Loneliness Awareness Week’s past

Loneliness Awareness Week (LAW) was initiated by Marmalade Trust in 2017. Since its inception, the campaign has raised thousands of pounds and gained momentum both across the UK and internationally. Each year, LAW adopts a specific theme to guide its initiatives. For instance, the 2023 campaign, themed ‘Connection Matters’, reached 268 million people and featured over 1,500 events worldwide, including partnerships with organisations like Nextdoor, to promote community engagement.

Who does Loneliness Awareness Week support?

Loneliness Awareness Week applies to absolutely everyone. Everybody deserves to feel self-worth, identity, and purpose. It is easy to assume it doesn’t apply to us and believe that only certain groups need support. However, it is a very shared experience. Despite living in a hyper-connected world, we’re lonelier than ever.

In saying this, recognising some vulnerable individuals who may be at risk can help us all be more mindful and proactive in reaching out.

Studies have shown that poverty can be linked to loneliness. Some factors of this can come down to: Cost barriers and how socialising often involves money (e.g., transport, events, days out). Low-wage jobs often involve shift work or multiple jobs, leaving little time or energy for social life.

People living in poverty/experienced a major life change: Stress from financial instability, shame, and reduced access to social opportunities can make them feel different or excluded from others.
Children/teenagers in care: They may have issues with abandonment, lack stable relationships, and struggle with trust, making it hard to form meaningful connections.
Single parents: Parenthood can be isolating, especially when it’s just one person doing the ‘heavy lifting’. They often lack time for socialising due to childcare responsibilities and may feel isolated without adult companionship. They may not have any friends who also have children, so it can feel hard to relate.
Full-time carers: They may feel isolated due to the demands and responsibilities. Their role can be all-consuming, leaving little opportunity for social interaction or support outside their caring duties.
People who are homeless or sleeping rough: They may face stigma, social invisibility, and lack of a support network, leading to deep isolation.
Migrants/refugees/race/culture: People may face language or cultural barriers. These groups may also be without family or friends in their situations. Their immigration status can worsen loneliness, especially if this causes marginalisation in their society.
People who are in the Criminal Justice System/recently released from prison: People can experience stigma, broken relationships, and difficulty reintegrating into society can result in profound loneliness and disconnection.
The elderly: Those with frailty may have mobility issues, which prevent them from getting out. They are also likely to have lost many friends and family members throughout their lives and are more likely to live alone.
Those with physical/mental disabilities or chronic illness: Mobility issues can cause barriers to participation in social life. Past experiences or ongoing mental health issues can create a sense of internal disconnection, making even warm relationships feel distant or hollow.
LGBTQ+ individuals: These are those who can face discrimination, lack of acceptance, or family rejection.
Gen Z and millennials: Despite being digitally connected, they may struggle with real-life social bonds and face mental health pressures or social comparison.

Why is loneliness still so stigmatised?

One of the most painful aspects of loneliness is the shame that often comes with it. Those who feel lonely may start to wonder if something is wrong with them, which can lead to embarrassment and silence. The reality is, we as a society are still learning how to fight loneliness — and we're not very good at it yet.

Admitting to feeling lonely can feel like confessing to weakness or failure. Society tends to equate being social with being successful, and solitude, with social rejection. Sadly, classism often marginalises those living in poverty, leading to exclusion or reduced opportunities.

Social media doesn’t help. We often see curated snapshots of other people’s lives — people looking happy, group meetups, extravagant holidays, and family dinners. These all amplify feelings of inadequacy. But, of course, social media only tells part of the story.

Talking about experiences of loneliness openly can break the stigma and help others feel less alone in their experiences. Normalise it, and we would be surprised by just how many of those who admit they feel the same.

A new survey by the Campaign to End Loneliness found that 26 million people in the UK report feeling lonely sometimes, often, or always, which is about 50 per cent of all adults. If you put two people in a room together, one of them is bound to be lonely.

Find out how to raise your self-esteem.

The invisible loneliness

Is loneliness about being physically alone?

Ever heard of the phrase: “Surrounded by people, yet still feel alone”? This is, tragically, true.

Loneliness isn’t just about being alone — it’s about feeling disconnected. Solitude can actually be peaceful, and people can still feel isolated even in a crowd. Healing loneliness often means seeking out relationships where you can be your full, authentic self — and where mutual understanding and empathy are present.

“Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.” – David Augsburger

What is social isolation?

Social isolation is the lack of meaningful social connections or interactions. It involves having few relationships, limited social contact, and minimal participation in community or group activities. Loneliness is a feeling, and social isolation is a condition related to that, which can harm both mental and physical health.

Some people wear a ‘social mask’. They believe they don’t deserve connection or they feel unseen or unheard and assume others wouldn’t understand them, maybe even due to fear of judgement or rejection — making it hard to open up even when support is available.

For a true, uplifting story, you might want to read: Libby's story: “overcoming my feelings of loneliness and finding my strength”.

Ways to spot loneliness

Spotting loneliness in others can be challenging, especially since it’s often hidden behind smiles or busy schedules. However, there are subtle signs — emotional, behavioural, and social — that may suggest someone is struggling with loneliness:

Frequent expressions of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
Increased irritability or mood swings.
Low self-esteem or frequent self-criticism.
Withdrawal from social activities they once enjoyed.
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns (sleeping too much or too little, loss of appetite, etc.)
Over-reliance on technology (e.g., excessive scrolling or gaming to escape).
Frequent cancellations or excuses to avoid interactions.
Avoiding eye contact or seeming disengaged during conversations.
Talking about having ‘no one to talk to’ or lacking meaningful relationships. Talking about feeling misunderstood, invisible, or disconnected.
Neglect in personal appearance or hygiene.
Fatigue or low energy.
Frequent illnesses (as loneliness can impact the immune system).
Rarely initiating contact — but always being available when reached out to.
Clinginess or neediness, or often seeming to want a chat.

Sometimes the loneliest people can even appear outwardly social or successful. They may overcompensate with humour, perfectionism, or busyness. It’s often those who say ‘I’m fine’ the quickest, who need someone to ask again — with care.

Make a point to include people who might not usually be invited or who seem withdrawn.

What does Loneliness Awareness Week involve?

Activities during LAW range from coffee mornings and art workshops to walking clubs and neighbourhood gatherings. These initiatives aim to create opportunities for people to share experiences and support one another.

The Marmalade Trust provides resources and toolkits to support these initiatives, encouraging people and organisations to get involved and share their activities on a Connection Map.

Addressing loneliness

You don’t need to be a therapist, an extrovert, or an expert to help someone feel less lonely. You just need to show up and create a safe space.

Many lonely people won’t make the first move because they fear being a burden. Even through all the busyness and chaos of everyday life, check in with others, and encourage face-to-face interactions. You could even acknowledge a stranger during an outing. Small acts of connection have a surprising impact on emotional well-being.

You can use ‘positive gossip’ on social media. Share a personal story and encourage reciprocation. Spread messages of hope, inclusion, inspiration, and education. You can use your accounts to spread the word, promoting an organisation’s work on the topic of loneliness. Use relevant hashtags like #LonelinessAwarenessWeek and share LAW’s efforts and support for those who may not be familiar with the special week. You could also host a virtual event for anybody to join, create articles supporting loneliness, share tips for reaching out and resources for help.

Tackling the worldwide ‘friendship recession’

You can guide someone in discovering a passion that works and help nurture a purpose. They may be able to find some of themselves again spiritually or finally connect with their ‘soul circle’.

We can all take some action over our lives, especially with a little prompting and belief in ourselves.

Other people are in the same boat, and they’re probably pushing the boat out just as much when it comes to plucking up the courage to start something new.

It is not always expensive to create a social nest. So, if you’re lonely, or somebody you know is — what can be done? Here are some simple (and non-expensive) ideas on how to fight loneliness:

Libraries, museums, councils, universities/colleges or community centres often host free events, clubs, art exhibitions, support groups, discussion groups, or workshops. There are also befriending and speed-friending services.
You can also join volunteer organisations, which can both give some ‘feel good’ energy and create spin-off relationships. If you feel you might be a bit lonely this coming Christmas, you can always book in advance to work for the homeless this year.
If you want to get away, there are also free or cheap opportunities to join environmental causes like saving the turtles, while forming some bonds abroad.
Create or attend free public clubs or events that fuel your interests, like: A book club, pottery club, trivia/games nights, comedy nights, open mic nights or a dog walking group. You can join free group runs or walks every week. Simply register for Parkrun and choose your hometown from the drop-down menu. You can also find a group walk in your area through Ramblers, too. Getting out in nature is the added bonus.
There are plenty of apps with free usage, such as Bumble for friends (BFF), where there are others looking to chat and make new friends. There is also a little ‘plans’ section of the app, which includes events to join, created by users.
Meetup, a global platform helping over 60 million people connect offline through real-world events, saw a 19% increase in registrations in 2023. According to the latest Meetup Measurement Report, the top reason users turn to the platform is to form meaningful in-person connections — a 50% rise compared to previous years. The most commonly searched term for events is ‘friends’.
Facebook groups or Nextdoor often list free local events or interest-based gatherings.
Even online spaces like Discord communities, Reddit forums, or Zoom groups strictly for hobbies, can lead to real friendships — many transition to offline connections over time.
The Chatty Café Scheme designates ‘chatter & natter’ tables in cafés where people are encouraged to engage in conversations with strangers, promoting spontaneous social interactions. Find your closest Chatty Café.
Websites like Borrow My Doggy connect pet owners with people who’d love to help care for animals, even if they don’t have one of their own.

Breaking the silence around loneliness

Loneliness isn’t something to be fixed overnight, nor does it mean we are broken. It is a sign that we are a species that needs to be bonding more deeply.

This Loneliness Awareness Week, let’s take a collective step toward more open hearts and connected communities where no one has to walk this earth feeling invisible.

Supporting people in need who may be experiencing loneliness

Talking therapies and CBT can be options for people experiencing mental health difficulties as a result of loneliness or for those who struggle in social situations.

It is important to be mindful of the fact that speaking to a professional can help, in case some uncomfortable feelings surface when opening up about feelings like loneliness:

Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org
Mental Health Foundation: Resources and support at mentalhealth.org.uk

What to do if you’re lonely:

Listen to some free mental wellbeing audio guides
Contact Mind's Infoline or a local Mind group to see what other types of peer support there may be in your area. See Mind’s page of useful contacts for organisations that can also help you find local volunteering opportunities.
For more information on participating in Loneliness Awareness Week or accessing resources, you can visit the official website: lonelinessawarenessweek.org.
Together Co and Age UK East Sussex offer face-to-face, telephone, and group befriending services.
Try the NHS’s 6 ways to feel happier
Ask your GP to refer you to a social prescribing link worker. They work with people who have difficulties with loneliness, complex social needs, or mental health difficulties. They can connect to social activities and community groups.
Join an online community like Side by Side, where you can learn from one another and grow connections. These communities offer a space to listen, share, and connect with others who have similar experiences. They’re available 24/7, mostly free to use, and accessible from anywhere.