Loneliness Awareness Week, launched by Marmalade UK, is a week dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness. The week aims to create supportive communities by encouraging people to have conversations with family, friends or colleagues about loneliness.
Loneliness can have numerous implications including, an increase in the risk of early mortality, increase in risk of poorer mental health, including depression, elevated blood pressure and acute stress responses and has been associated with poorer sleep quality in young adults.
This Loneliness Awareness Week, Chris Evans MP is encouraging to reach out to friends and family to start a conversation. Marmalade UK have also shared some ways that people can get involved this week:
- Smile at someone new
- Pause for a 5-minute chat
- Arrange a group walk
- Share lunch with colleagues (in-person or online)
- Hold a street party or picnic
- Meet your neighbour or better still, take them a cake!
Chris Evans MP said:
‘Anyone can experience loneliness at any time of their life. That is why it is so important to spread awareness and know that you are not alone.
This Loneliness Awareness Week, I want to encourage everyone to spark a conversation with friends, family or even someone that they do not know.’
You can find out more information about Loneliness Awareness Week and where to get help if you are struggling here:
https://www.lonelinessawarenessweek.org/about
https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/feeling-lonely/
