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Shorter days but support remains
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With the clocks going back, the days being shorter, and the changing of seasons becoming clearer by the day, we’re reminded at the Campaign that this time of year can result in a change of routines and habits for many of us.
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For some of us, this can mean not being able to get outside as often or for as long as we’d like, or perhaps returning home from work, school or college, or even from daily errands sooner than we’ve been used to. This might mean that we’re unable to socialise or be involved in the same activities we’ve become accustomed to lately, especially if these social or activity groups are new to ourselves too.
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We’d like to use this little introduction to the newsletter to remind our readers that whilst the seasons change, those social supports that have helped us with feelings of loneliness before are more often than not still there. The setting or the scenery may change, but those existing relationships, and opportunities to forge new ones, remain.
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To remind ourselves of that fact, we’ve included some stories from the last month which show how people from all over the UK and internationally are continuing the fight against loneliness.
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What we are thinking about
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Updates to the Campaign's website
Following soon after this newsletter, we’ll be announcing the members of our new Advisory Group, and will be sharing our mission and priorities which the group has helped to inform.
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We’re striving to reach those we’ve identified as an immediate priority, with other groups forming part of our long-term strategy. Importantly, no one will be left behind in our strategy.
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In addition to this, we’ll be sharing older editions of our newsletter in our blog pages on our website, so be sure to check those out in case you missed them.
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The Campaign to End Loneliness is working with Infinite Potential to investigate workplace burnout. The following outlines a project which you could get involved in and help shed light on this phenomenon:
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“Burnout is not an inevitable outcome of work. Neither is loneliness. We can, and we must create workplaces that are sustainable for the organisation and the people in it.
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We need data to help leaders better understand how workplace stress is affecting their people, and we need insights to help change organisational policies. This is where you can help create that change!
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In its 5th year, Infinite Potential’s State of Workplace Burnout study seeks to generate deeper insights into burnout’s impact on individuals, organisations, and society, with a particular focus on loneliness at work. Results from the study will create actionable insights for organisations to help create healthy, productive, and sustainable work environments. So people, organisations and society can thrive.
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Participation in the study is easy: simply take an online survey that will take around 15 minutes. Privacy is paramount: the survey is completely anonymous and no individual data will be shared or reported.
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Click on the link here to get started. Please help us by sharing the link with 5 people in your network and let’s start a movement to end burnout.”
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You can access the survey below and help the team by passing this on too!
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This thought-provoking collection of animated short stories shares the experience of perinatal loneliness from different viewpoints. The film has a foreword by researcher Dr Ruth Naughton-Doe, and is described in their own words here:
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“This film presents nine animations based on the experiences of the 58 parents who took part in research exploring solutions to perinatal loneliness, which is loneliness that happens during pregnancy and up to two years post-birth, including for parents who adopt.
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…We hope these clips and our film will raise awareness of what leads to feelings of loneliness including poverty, discrimination, unrealistic expectations put on parents, inadequate support, and being excluded. We hope that after watching this film, some people will realise they are not alone in feeling lonely.”
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You can access the film in the title above, and a link to information and solutions to perinatal loneliness in the link below.
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Befriending Week 2024 has recently come to an end, and was held between 1st – 7th November. The annual campaign celebrates and raises awareness of the positive impact of befriending.
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Although Befriending Week has come to a close for this year, all of the brilliant services involved are still here. Remember to check in on the Befriending Networks website for information on groups to join, ways to get involved, and other useful resources.
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Befriending services can be instrumental in helping with feelings of loneliness, so have a look at the resources in the link below if you think you or someone you know could benefit from these, or if you’d like to get involved as a befriender yourself.
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‘Happy to chat’ benches in Bassetlaw
Muslim Charity and Bassetlaw District Council have teamed up to fund ‘Happy to chat’ benches to be launched in the district. The initiative is aimed at reducing feelings of loneliness by fostering a sense of community and connection amongst residents.
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Important local projects such as these serve as a useful reminder that the act of forming a small connection with someone, in a gesture as simple as striking up a conversation, can help with feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
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You can find out more about the project and the Muslim Charity in the link below.
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Loneliness Around the Globe
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This article from CNN outlines what has been called a ‘loneliness epidemic’ in Seoul, South Korea’s capital city.
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Whilst this article touches on some negative and at times potentially distressing content, the article makes a useful point of highlighting that awareness of these issues and initiatives to help combat them are vital.
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Reports such as these, where governments and local authorities help to fund the alleviation and understanding of feelings of loneliness, are really encouraging. We’re reminded that the sharing of knowledge internationally is also extremely important in ensuring that everyone is well equipped to fight loneliness. The Campaign recently had a visit from a South Korean delegation wishing to learn more about loneliness research, and Prof Andrea Wigfield was invited to send a short video message of inspiration and motivation to South Korea for their Loneliness awareness day on 11th November.
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On our reading list
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This fantastic article from the British Psychological Society reminds us that loneliness can affect us at any time in our lives.
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The author, PhD candidate Lyana Ameruddin at Sunway University Malaysia, provides some useful insight to the current research in the field, as well as contextualising this with personal experience.
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Researchers from the University of Lincoln, UK have published a first of its kind study into loneliness in sport.
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This study, published earlier this month in International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, is the first to systematically review research into loneliness in sport, drawing on data from 194 studies involving more than 88,500 participants. The findings highlight loneliness as a significant issue affecting athletes, coaches, and officials at all levels of sport, as well as an urgent need for greater awareness and targeted interventions to address this often-overlooked issue.
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This article details a longitudinal study of minority and majority youth, and found that young people from immigrant backgrounds tend to feel and express emotions more like the majority culture when they have friends from that culture.
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Over time, these friendships help them feel more included, and matching the majority's emotional style supports building stronger connections.
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Dates for your diary
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12th November – 9:30 – 16:00 GMT - The Indian Community Centre Association (ICCA) -Nottingham
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“Welcome to the Tackling Loneliness Collaborative - Nottingham & Nottinghamshire CONFERENCE!
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Join us at The Indian Community Centre Association (ICCA) for a day filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and collaborative efforts to combat loneliness in our community.
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Our conference will bring together experts, organizations, and individuals passionate about making a difference. Together, we will explore innovative strategies, share best practices, and work towards creating a more connected and supportive environment for all.”
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27th November – 7-9pm GMT – Left Bank – Leeds
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A monthly event aimed at reducing loneliness in the LGBQT+ community. From the organisers:
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“15-Minute Friendships is a social project designed to combat loneliness within the queer community through pop-up events around Leeds. Whether you’re looking to meet someone new, have a story to tell, want to practise your conversational skills, or simply have some time to kill, you can meet me (Bridie!) for an informal, 15-minute, *one-to-one chat.
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We're delighted to announce that 15-Minute Friendships will be hosting a regular drop-in event at Left Bank Leeds from 7pm to 9pm on the last Wednesday of every month! Come along, look out for the 15-Minute Friendships table-top sign, sit down when the host is free, and chat about anything you'd like. This event is designed to coincide with Left Bank's Culture Club on Wednesday evenings where anyone can show up and use the space to practise something creative.
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15-Minute Friendships is working to combat loneliness in the Leeds LGBTQIA+ community, but you don't have to be a member of this community to take part. Anyone can attend one of our pop-up events if they fancy a chat! Find out more at www.15minutefriendships.com.
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*If you'd feel more comfortable with a friend or support worker by your side, you are welcome to bring them along too.”
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28th November – 12-1pm – Online
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Our co-directors, Antonia and Andrea, will be delivering a Webinar through the Tackling Loneliness Hub this month. In their words:
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“There is consensus from recent academic research and policy making reports including our own research that persistent loneliness is an important aspect when discussing how loneliness goes from being beneficial (adaptive) to problematic and harmful.
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…In this webinar we discuss chronic loneliness and mental health and attempt to redefine the term taking into account our own recent research in this field.”
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Once you've signed up, further details about the event will follow.
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24th – 30th April 2025 – All day – Everywhere
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Put this in your diaries well ahead of time, or contact the organisers if you’re interested in getting involved. From the organisers:
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“Together, let's celebrate the power of connection. Relationships between older and younger people are not just ‘nice’ but essential. Join us for #GIW25!
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#GIW25 is a worldwide campaign encouraging everyone to embrace intergenerational practice and relationships. During this week, we celebrate the power of intergenerational relationships. The campaign seeks to highlight the amazing outcomes that are achieved, when people of all ages come together to form vital and lasting connections.
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Each day of the week of the campaign is a different theme:
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Day 1 (24/04): Let’s Raise Intergenerational Awareness
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Day 2 (25/04): Let’s Tackle Ageism
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Day 3 (26/04): Let’s Challenge Social Isolation and Loneliness
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Day 4 (27/04): Let’s Celebrate Intergenerational Spaces and Communities
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Day 5 (28/04): Let’s Save the Planet... Together!
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Day 6 (29/04): Let’s Develop Intergenerational Workplaces
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Day 7 (30/04): Let’s Improve Intergenerational Quality and Sustainability
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During the week, in Scotland, we are planning training, online events, film screenings and more that you can attend. Check out our events and training on our website in the run up to the week. Host an intergenerational event during GIW25 and tag us on social media using the hashtag #GIW25.”
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