Loneliness Awareness Week taking place between 9-25th June seeks to shine a spotlight on an issue that affects many more of us than we might think.
A 2023 survey revealed that 85% of UK adults had experienced loneliness in the last 12 months, with nearly half of those surveyed saying they felt chronically lonely. (1)
Research also suggests that some people are more vulnerable to loneliness than others including single parents or those who care for someone else, those who belong to a minority group or live in an area where there aren’t many people with a similar background, those who are excluded from social activities because of mobility problems, or simply may not have much money for social activities. (2)
Whatever the underlying reasons, experiencing loneliness can be difficult for anyone and it is important that we are aware of this growing issue on our communities.
WVCA’s Social Prescribing Service works with often vulnerable people who may well be experiencing loneliness. The service provides a non-medical approach to supporting people to improve their health and wellbeing.
Service Coordinator, Gloria Pearce explains: “Our aim is to link people with activities and support which might help them to feel better and more connected to their local communities.
“People who come to us may be feeling isolated and want support to meet other people, or are feeling low and would benefit from joining a social group.
“We recognise how impactful loneliness can be on a person and initiatives such as Loneliness Awareness Week and projects such as ours are vital in raising awareness and supporting those who are experiencing a condition that could affect any one of us at any point in our lives.”
For more information on WVCA’s Social Prescribing project go to Social Prescribing | Wolverhampton Voluntary & Community Action
Loneliness Awareness Week is a week dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness by creating supportive communities and having open, honest conversations. For more information go to About | Loneliness Awareness Week
(2): Source www.lonelinessawarenessweek.org