Spring has now officially begun and we are embracing the better weather in the UK to boost our moods. April brings us two bank holidays in the UK, let’s use these to get out there and connect. Tips to tackle loneliness this month are: 

Volunteer – Check out the webinar advertised on our events page, with our co-director Professor Andrea Wigfield among a panel of experts on Volunteering: An Antidote to the Epidemic of Loneliness. There are an abundance of ways to volunteer, formally or informally, it’s up to you. Need some ideas? Marshall at a sporting event, look for opportunities at your local hospital or charity shop or see if your local railway needs any support. Volunteering creates opportunities for chance meetings with others. 

The seagulls are calling – Whether you live close to the seaside or not, consider a trip solo or with others. Enjoy the sand in your toes, the sound of the waves, the connection with nature and maybe some fish and chips and an ice cream? With the fast pace of life, remember the importance of down time and making time for meaningful connections. 

Running shoes out yet? – Brighter mornings invite us to get up earlier, put our shoes on and head out for a walk or run. Physical activity is beneficial for our physical and mental wellbeing. Still need some encouragement? Organise regular meet ups with friends to hold yourself accountable, walk your own or offer to walk a friend’s dog. Alternatively, simply enjoy the headspace of walking or running alone with your thoughts, connecting to nature and embracing those chance offerings of saying hello to passersby with a smile. Why not head to Manchester or London marathon on Sunday 27th April for some inspiration? 

Limited mobility? – There are many reasons that can affect us leaving home or travelling far, however connections are still possible. Why not check out the latest releases at your local cinema? Go alone or invite others and immerse yourself with the characters on screen. Treat yourself to a book, have a read and connect to the story. 

Hold out your hand – Feeling lonely? Recognise and act on the feelings. Ask others for support, pick up the phone for a chat, send a postcard or letter to someone you have lost touch with. Motivate yourself to try some tackling loneliness tips – you never know what opportunities may arise to meet like-minded others. 

Easter opportunities – Join a public event, create your own easter egg hunt, get crafty by making your own bird feeder, draw or paint a card to send to others and why not compliment this with some freshly baked cookies to show someone you are thinking of them. These ideas and many more provide activities to enjoy alone or with others.