Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 05:09 pm
Marmalade Trust is launching its annual Loneliness Awareness Week campaign, ‘Connection Matters,’ with the aim of reducing loneliness and increasing connection across the UK and worldwide. Taking place from June 12th to 18th, the campaign encourages individuals, businesses, organisations, and community groups to join in by spreading the word, organising or joining an activity or event, and sharing stories of connection on social media.
Minister for Loneliness Stuart Andrew said: “Loneliness is something that can affect anyone at any time, but it’s important people know that they are not alone and that support is out there. This Loneliness Awareness Week is the perfect opportunity to encourage small moments of connection, whether that be arranging to go for a walk with a friend or inviting them for a tea or coffee. By opening up the conversation about how we are feeling we can better support each other.”
Alice Peperell, Campaign Director of Loneliness Awareness Week, said that the campaign is a response to the increasing numbers of people in the UK feeling lonelier since the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis which further hinders social interaction. She added that the hope is that by highlighting the need for people to reach out to each other and share even the smallest moments of connection, we can support ourselves and others to feel acknowledged, happier and reduce loneliness.
A report conducted by Kings College London, The Policy Institute and IPOS found that almost a third of people in the UK already feel lonelier since the pandemic. The Cost of Disconnected Communities Report, funded by the Big Lottery and the Eden Project initiative The Big Lunch, also reported that disconnected communities could be costing the UK economy £32 billion each year.
Marmalade Trust is calling on people to join in the campaign by visiting their website for free resources on how to make social connections. https://www.marmaladetrust.org/connectionideas
Loneliness Awareness Week will take place from June 12th to 18th and as Minister for Loneliness Stuart Andrew said, “By opening up the conversation about how we are feeling we can better support each other.”
