Everyone can feel lonely from time to time and this is part of being human. But feeling lonely most or all of the time can impact our general wellbeing and mental health.
Many people have experienced loneliness or isolation during the coronavirus pandemic or as a result of other circumstances.
Loneliness and isolation can happen for all sorts of reasons and affect anyone of any age and background. We don’t have to be on our own all the time to feel lonely – it can also happen when we’re surrounded by other people. Loneliness is when we have a mismatch between the quantity and quality of social relationships that we have, and those that we want.
Reaching out and having meaningful connections with other people can help us to feel so much better. There are lots of ways to do this and organisations that provide support:
- Keep in touch with those around you such as friends, family and neighbours – sometimes a friendly chat can make all the difference
- Join an online group or club – focus on something you enjoy
- Visit places where you can just be around other people – such as a park, the cinema or a café
- Try a befriending service – where you’re matched with a befriender who can either contact you by phone or in person
- Talk to someone if you’re experiencing stress, feelings of anxiety or low mood – tell your GP who can refer you to support such as talking therapies
Useful links
NHS Every Mind Matters provide advice for loneliness and information on the support available.
Imago provide services in the Dartford area, including CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other) online groups for people aged 50 or over; telephone befriending; and Community Navigators who work with individuals to carry out holistic assessments and statutory Carers Assessments, working with you to identify what will make the greatest difference to improve your health, wellbeing, confidence and motivation. Telephone 0300 0111965
Porchlight can help you reconnect with people in your community. They can help you build your confidence, regain your independence and become part of the community – whether that's by taking part in local activities, sports clubs, education programmes or just developing friendship groups. Porchlight's helpline is also a gateway to other support with housing, mental health, wellbeing and employment. You choose what they help you with and what activities you’d like to access locally. Telephone 0800 567 7699
One You Kent delivers a wide range of initiatives and projects to help improve your health and wellbeing. Initiatives include Dartford Health Walks, Why Weight, Health Matters Lifestyle Programme, and Falls Prevention classes. Telephone 01322 343067
Healthy Living Centre Dartford is a friendly, community-led charity providing opportunities to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities in Dartford. They want to empower individuals to make positive choices by facilitating a wide range of activities to grow skills, confidence and self-esteem. They run a variety of classes and training sessions including cookery clubs, computer classes, arts and crafts and much more. Individuals and families are invited to join in activities and programmes, which bring people together to help strengthen community and combat social isolation. Telephone 01322 311265
Age UK North West Kent offer a range of wellbeing services for the Dartford, Gravesend and Swanley area. Their Wellbeing Day Service in Gravesend offers a range of activities as well as a fresh two course meal. Activities are varied and cater for the many. Telephone: 01474 564898
Age UK Telephone Friendship offer a telephone service that matches over-60s with a friendly volunteer for a weekly chat.
Age UK Advice Line is a free, confidential, national phone service for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals. If you're feeling lonely or need some practical help and support they can be contacted 365 days a year (8am to 7pm). Telephone 0800 678 1602
The Silverline is a free 24-hour helpline which people can call for a chat, day or night. Whatever the reason, they’re here to listen. Telephone 0800 470 8090
Re-engage offer a telephone befriending service called Call Companions, which is available to anyone aged 75 and over who would benefit from a regular chat over the phone with a friendly volunteer. Telephone 0800 716543
The Mix provide free, confidential help for under 25s online and via a helpline. Telephone 0808 808 4994 or text THEMIX to 85258 or use their online chat service
British Red Cross Support Line is there if you’re lonely, worried, impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, and finding it difficult to access food or medication in the UK. Telephone 0808 196 3651
Samaritans are there for anyone having a difficult time. Their free, confidential telephone line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telephone 116 123