With Loneliness Awareness Week taking place next week (10-16 June 2024), residents are being encouraged to take steps to combat loneliness and social isolation.
Loneliness is the state of being distanced or isolated from other people, it can result from social isolation, so it is important for people to have opportunities to connect with others.
Loneliness can affect anyone at any stage of their life. It’s not just about being alone, although being alone can increase feelings of loneliness – it’s subjective and what might constitute loneliness for one person wouldn’t be for another.
Loneliness affects people of all genders, ages and backgrounds, and can have a huge impact on an individual’s health. It can increase the risks of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and stroke, and can also be a risk factor for developing depression later in life.
Loneliness Awareness Week is dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness and reducing stigma. This year’s theme is ‘Random Acts of Connection’, encouraging everyone to increase those simple, everyday moments of communication which help them to feel happier and not as lonely.
Statistics published as part of Loneliness Awareness Week show that half a million older people go at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all. By 2025/26, the number of over-50s experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million. This compares to around 1.4 million in 2016/7 – a 49% increase in 10 years.
Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC) website www.warwickshire.gov.uk/loneliness includes a wealth of information for anyone affected by loneliness and social isolation.
There are many ways to make a small connection with others. Here are a few ideas:
- Smile at someone
- Pause for a 5-minute chat
- Share lunch with colleagues (in-person or online)
- Say hello to your neighbour
- Meet a friend for coffee
There are also a number of resources and services available on a local and national level to those who are struggling with loneliness, including:
- Campaign to End Loneliness – a website that can help you to deal with feelings of loneliness
- Wellbeing for Warwickshire – a website that provides support for loneliness and mental health
- Key Ring – A community links service for those who are experiencing social isolation and/or would like one-to-one support to access and engage in the local community
- NHS – information from the NHS on how to deal with loneliness
- 5 Ways to Wellbeing – tips and information from WCC of different ways you can work on your health and wellbeing
- Living Well – WCC’s website that brings together information and services to help you look after yourself and other people
Councillor Margaret Bell, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Health said: “We want our residents in Warwickshire to know that if they are experiencing feelings of loneliness there is support available to them.
“There are many ways to start making connections with others and improve your wellbeing, such as learning a new skill, looking for local clubs and community groups, meeting friends in person or over a video call, as well as the many support services we have in the County.
“Connect is one of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing - which are a great start for anyone who is looking to make a positive change to their physical and mental health. So too is our Living Well website, which is packed with information and services to help yourself and others around you.”
Keep an eye on Warwickshire County Council’s social media channels for information about loneliness and support available. Follow us on Facebook @WarwickshireCountyCouncil, X (formerly Twitter) @Warks_CC, Instagram @bestwarwickshire.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/loneliness to find out more about loneliness support in Warwickshire.