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Editor's thoughts
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I write this on Remembrance Sunday, in the 80th Anniversary year of the end of World War 2, so thought it would be reasonable to discuss Veteran Loneliness within this edition. I was also proud to co-present a ‘Loneliness in the Veteran Community’ recently, through our fantastic colleagues in the Tackling Loneliness Hub, (thank you Aba for all your patience with my very poor technological skills and currently very poor memory!). Please see the link, later in this issue, to access this webinar.
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Also in this issue we’ve got some interesting articles and research relating to young men and 'incels', the power of pets, the recently published Public Health Outcomes Framework (commentary), an update of how we got on at the All-Party Political Group (APPG) in Westminster last month and how our 2026 Roadshow is developing; and much more besides!
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Hope you enjoy this packed issue!
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A couple of announcements
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What’s in a definition; A chat about the definition of loneliness can be found here.
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The Office for Health Improvement & Disparities Public Health Outcomes Framework (commentary) has just been published and gives an overview of public health outcomes at national and local level, supported by a broader set of more detailed indicators, looking particularly at chronic loneliness. It can be read here.
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Asda (other supermarkets are available) have brought back their £1 café meal deal for the over-60s this winter, aiming to help older customers cope with the rising cost of living and social isolation during the colder months. Details here.
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Befriending Week was held at the beginning of November, between 1st to 7th November; an annual campaign to celebrate befriending and highlight the power of social connection in reducing loneliness and social isolation. Read more here, with a related article from AgeUK here.
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What we are thinking about
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The All Party Political Group (APPG) on Loneliness and Connected Communities
We were proud to attend the recent APPG meeting at Westminster in October, where I was honoured to present to the meeting an update of the Campaign to End Loneliness past, current and aspirations going forwards. Co-chaired by Paul Davies MP and Lord Shaun Bailey, the session marked the formal start of a two-year national inquiry exploring “Intergenerational Connection as a Pathway to Tackle Loneliness Across Society.” More details can be found on this Inter-Generational England article here.
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Continuing the above themes of designing out loneliness and connected communities, and seeking to exemplify best practice where it exists, I’m keen to showcase some examples of ongoing work in Doncaster, in the Highfields area of the city, that have bringing a community together around holistic activities in mind;
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Befriending Week
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Befriending week was held at the beginning of November, between 1st to 7th November; an annual campaign to celebrate befriending and highlight the power of social connection in reducing loneliness and social isolation. Read more here, with a related article from Age UK here.
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Loneliness and the Veteran Community
I was proud and honoured to co-host the Loneliness Hub ‘Loneliness in the Veteran Community’ webinar recently with Mark Humphries, an inspirational Falklands Veteran who lives with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), is a good friend of mine through The Daparian Foundation and Veteran Loneliness PTSD research we’ve collaborated upon, and who plays a significant role down in Plymouth with mitigating Veteran Loneliness through his incredible work around Wheelchair Rugby, Community Cycling and Community Art (with his equally inspirational wife Teri).
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The webinar can be viewed here and the associated blog here.
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Transition of a member of the Armed Forces to civilian life is a particularly sensitive and vulnerable time for that man or woman to suffer from loneliness and to experience subsequent mental health issues and trauma from his or her military service. Negative coping mechanisms can potentially fill the vacuum that may exist, such as gambling. An interesting research report from the Journal of Gambling Studies can be read here.
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Fascinating articles discussing the work of the Royal Hospital Chelsea to provide community, connection, purpose and hope, looking at the journey of one particular ‘Chelsea Pensioner’ living there can be found here and here. On the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War Two here’s, also, an honest and emotional article about the loneliness of one of the six remaining British men involved in the storming of the beaches of Normandy here.
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Young men and loneliness
It’s vital to address the loneliness of young men. There are some suggestions that they can be driven to radicalisation and extremes of behaviour if their underlying issues of being lonely and without connection are not understood and mitigated.
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Read more here, along with a related article about 'incels' here. There are some suggestions that this loneliness can be generated through the internet and social media, and this is an interesting area for discussion also, so I’ve included a related article here. AI has a potential contribution to make here also; read more here.
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Loneliness and pets
Read more about the importance of pets to help their owners with loneliness in these two interesting articles;
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Women’s health and Loneliness
Often stigmatised, the link between loneliness and women’s health often goes unnoticed and undiscussed. Here we have two articles that raise awareness and seek to reverse this trend;
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Loneliness and Music
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Loneliness around the UK
A series of articles for you highlighting how loneliness affects every aspect of society across the UK, and why it is so important that we work together, share experience and best practice and collaborate wherever possible.
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Loneliness and holistic activities
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The power of holistic activities to mitigate loneliness is becoming ever more widely acknowledged. Be it getting out in nature, exercising at the gym, gardening, cookery, visiting the allotment etc, it can be a great way of managing loneliness.
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This section highlights and showcases community/peer support initiatives that address this issue. Any submissions in this area, to be included in future newsletters, please forward to us at info@campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk. Thank you.
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This month’s highlights
Designing out loneliness
If we look at the nature of loneliness, and its mitigation, holistically we see potential to design it out through strategic planning and community collaboration. These articles set the scene for this approach;
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Continuing the above themes of designing out loneliness and connected communities, and seeking to exemplify best practice where it exists, I’m keen to showcase some examples of ongoing work in Doncaster, in the Highfields area of the city, that have bringing a community together around holistic activities in mind;
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Cycle Proficiency Track - Highfields
As Doncaster prepares to unveil its first bespoke-designed pump track in Highfields which aims to attract cycle enthusiast nationwide both young and old, a new initiative is ensuring younger children won’t be left behind. In partnership with St. Leger Homes of Doncaster (SLHD), approval has been granted for the installation of a dedicated cycle proficiency area — giving young riders a safe and supportive space to build confidence before tackling the main track.
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The idea was born from a desire to make cycling more inclusive and accessible for all ages. Recognising the need for a stepping stone to the pump track, local partners came together to create a space tailored for early learners and developing riders.
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What makes this project truly special is the involvement of children from Highfields Academy, who took part in design sessions to shape the look and feel of the new area. Their ideas were brought to life through close collaboration with Doncaster Council’s Highways team, ensuring the final design is both imaginative and practical.
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“This is a fantastic example of community-led development, we’re building pride, ownership, and opportunity for young people in Highfields.”
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The cycle skills area will sit alongside the new pump track, forming part of a wider effort to promote active travel, outdoor play, and youth engagement in the community.
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Working group for Cycling, Wheeling and Walking
As part of the wider activity plan for the area a Working Group for Cycling, Wheeling, and Walking has been established. The group will be responsible for coordinating projects delivered by various partners in and around Highfields. This will ensure everyone can contribute and benefit from the residents voices and insight captured locally.
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The first walking sessions began on the 7th October and will be held every Monday at 10am and takes in all the beautiful scenery of Highfield Country Park. The first session attracted 3 attendees with the most recent walk being attended by 6 people. The hope is that the sessions will attract more participants each week with the support of City of Doncaster City's SMILE who bring along participants to enjoy the walks too.
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Highfields Fishing Tender
When Highfields Country Park's fishing lake became underused, a local resident stepped forward with a vision to turn it into a thriving spot for anglers and the community. Determined to make it happen, they submitted a bid to secure the lease and shared plans for improving facilities, maintaining fish stocks, and hosting fishing events. Once the lease is granted, the transformation will began— enhancing amenities, and organising workshops to engage residents. The revitalised fishing lake will be a welcoming space that benefits the entire community
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World Suicide Prevention Day - A Local Authority looking after its employees
City of Doncaster Council Staff from the North Bridge Depot recently came together for an inspiring event marking World Suicide Prevention Day 2025. The day focused on “Changing the narrative on suicide and encouraging open conversations about mental well-being,” featuring powerful personal stories and support from organisations such as Andy’s Man Club, Amparo and Project 6.
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Following the success of the event, a new staff network for men will be launched to continue promoting open dialogue and peer support across the workplace. Loneliness, it’s potential to be a catalyst to negative mental health and suicide, is central in this new dialogue that’s developing.
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Tackling Loneliness Hub
Webinar Date Change: 'Could Social Prescribing be a ‘cure’ for loneliness?’ – 11/12/25, to be delivered by Professor Chris Dayson & Sian Brand. SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT
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Our webinar ‘Could Social Prescribing be a ‘cure’ for loneliness? Previously scheduled for 11th November has been moved to the 11th December (12:30PM)
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If you have already registered for this event you will have received an update email – for those who are now unable to attend, the webinar will be recorded and made available on the hub afterwards.
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To register and find out more about the event, please visit the following link: here
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Blog update
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Is the antidote for loneliness more social connections: Read here.
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The Structural Loneliness of Migrant Mothers; Ream here.
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Other informative blogs from the Tackling Loneliness Hub can be read here.
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Other Podcasts/ Blogs
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Tips to help with loneliness
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Find our latest collection of tips to help manage feelings of loneliness in the articles below:
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Loneliness Around the Globe
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A series of articles showing different experiences of loneliness around the globe and how different nations are trying to come to terms with this epidemic of loneliness;
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Photo of the month
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This month’s photo shows members of the Healthy Her Muslim ladies group, from Doncaster, exercising together at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster.
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Healthy Her were founded by the inspirational Akeela Mohammed DL, who was a significant force behind the Doncaster Muslim Wellness Conference journey, along with myself and Imams Habeeb Madani and Ali Mohammed.
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The 2025 Doncaster Muslim Wellness Conference was held Saturday 15th November, at the Eco-Power Stadium. An article about this journey is to follow in the next newsletter.
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Let us have your photos for the December newsletter and we’ll choose one to be published. Thank you.
Send photos / articles to us at info@campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk. Thank you.
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On our reading list
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Dates for your diary
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If you have dates, of local events centred around loneliness, that you would like included within this nwsletter each month let us know on info@campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk
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That’s it for another month!
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We hope you have enjoyed this newsletter. Please let us know your thoughts, give us your feedback on info@campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk and let’s evolve and move forward on this journey, supporting those experiencing loneliness, together.
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Until the next newsletter we bid you farewell.
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Richard & the Campaign to End Loneliness team
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