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Special Edition #2

This year, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is Loneliness. The pandemic has shone a spotlight on loneliness, but even prior to the pandemic, one in five people experienced loneliness frequently (British Red Cross).

Loneliness is the feeling we have when there is a mismatch between the relationships we have and those that we need.
- Mental Health Foundation

Loneliness can be very personal. Some people may choose to be alone and be perfectly happy, whilst others may crave social connections. Loneliness can also be felt at different times of your life, after major life events or certain times of the year.

Below are some tips and suggestions on managing loneliness. They may not work for everyone, but hopefully there is something that you can try.

Make meaningful connections

If you are feeling a lack of meaningful connection from the social relationships in your life, you many find meeting new or different people will help. There are many ways to meet new people such as joining a local community group or volunteering.

There are several community groups you can join to meet new people with similar interests and experiences.

Action for Happiness - local groups which offer the chance to meet people near you and discuss different themes each month
Men Who Talk - a peer support group for men aged 18+
Side by Side - an online community to connect with people over shared experiences
Rethink Mental Illness offer peer support groups for people with lived experience of mental illness.

Volunteer

There are many organisations that need help and volunteering is a great way to meet people.

The Trussell Trust support food banks nationally and are always looking for volunteers.
Team London advertises hundreds of volunteering roles within London.
Community gardening - Coram's Fields in Bloombsury are looking for volunteers
Social Farms and Gardens also offer volunteering opportinities.

Weekends...

If you find yourself feeling lonely at the weekends, there are many activities you can do in London.

Things to do in London this weekend

Things to do in London alone

Things to do in London that are free

More resources

You can find further advice and guidance on managing loneliness as the following pages:

Mental Health Foundation - How to cope with loneliness and improve your mental health
Mind - About loneliness
British Red Cross - Get help with loneliness

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UCL Institute of Child health BHM 2020 · 3 · Billericay, Ess cm12 0aa · USA