Loneliness campaign

Feeling lonely is completely normal.

Many of us can feel lonely while checking our social media, on our own or with others. It is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of.

Sometimes admitting we feel lonely can be hard but it’s important to remember that many others experience similar feelings of loneliness too, and that this feeling can pass.

The Better Health – Every Mind Matters Loneliness campaign aims to normalise feelings of loneliness to reduce the stigma so people feel able to seek help and support.

Research shows that 16 to 24 year olds are the loneliest age group but also the least likely to take action to help themselves. In fact, figures show that nearly half of students admit they’ve hidden their feelings of loneliness for fear of being judged.

If you are feeling lonely, or know someone else who is, there are plenty of simple, affordable actions you can take, such as:

• going for a walk with someone
• inviting someone out for a coffee and a chat
• finding out about affordable events nearby
• going along to a gym class or playing in a sports team
• joining a society or local community group to meet like-minded people
• reaching out to those around you so you can both feel the benefits of in-person social connection.

Find more support and advice on the Better Health – Every Mind Matters Loneliness webpage to help yourself or others who might be feeling lonely, or search ‘Loneliness Every Mind Matters’ for more support and advice.

If you live in Nottinghamshire and are aged 11-19 years, you can contact ChatHealth, a confidential school nursing text service for young people. The ChatHealth number to text is 07507 329952.

Find out more about ChatHealth and the Nottinghamshire Healthy Family Team by visiting this page.