Loneliness: how can we take action this Mental Health Awareness Week?

In the 2020/21 Community Life Survey, it was reported that 6% of respondents (approximately 3 million people in England) said they feel lonely often or always.

The Mental Health Foundation also conducted a study, tracking mental health across the pandemic, which showed that one in four adults (24 per cent) in the UK have felt lonely because of Coronavirus.

As we navigate life post-lockdown, it makes sense that this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) focuses on alleviating loneliness. (9th-15th May).

Feeling lonely can affect our mental health, and poor mental health can also make us feel lonely. So how can we take action this Mental Health Awareness Week and help to break that negative cycle?

Here are a few ideas…

💬 Share: Sometimes we’re afraid to admit to being lonely or to talk about our mental health because of the stigma attached to it. This week try sharing a social media post about Mental Health Awareness Week or starting a conversation about mental health with your friends, family, or colleagues.

☕️ Reach out: Arrange to have a cuppa with a friend this week, ask how they’re doing and take the time to listen. And if you’re finding things tough yourself, why not get in touch with someone you trust and be honest about how you’re feeling? If you’re not sure where to turn, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 for free at any time of the day or night, 365 days a year.

💳 Donate: Counselling can be a really important space for helping people to feel less alone with their problems. By donating to our affordable counselling services, you can help us to provide support to people in our community who may be feeling isolated, anxious, or struggling with mental health issues. Thank you.

Donate here