Marmalade Trust is launching its 7th annual campaign, Loneliness Awareness Week 2023, to raise awareness of loneliness in the UK and worldwide. Taking place from June 12th to 18th, this year’s theme ‘Connection Matters’ promotes small everyday moments of connection to reduce feelings of loneliness.
Alice Peperell, Campaign Director of Loneliness Awareness Week, commented: “We are asking people to join in by spreading the word, building connections by organising or joining an activity or event, and following us on social media and sharing stories of connection.”
The campaign coincides with a recent survey from King’s College London, The Policy Institute and IPOS, which found that almost a third of people in the UK feel lonelier since the pandemic. Loneliness is also believed to be costing the UK economy around £32 billion every year due to the cost-of-living crisis and disconnected communities.
Minister for Loneliness Stuart Andrew commented: “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.”
Marmalade Trust is encouraging individuals, businesses, organisations, and community groups to join them in creating supportive communities by harnessing and sharing moments that matter and initiating conversations about loneliness with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Free resources on how to make social connections can be found on their website.
The annual Loneliness Awareness Week campaign, led by leading loneliness charity Marmalade Trust, is back for its 7th year. Taking place from June 12th to 18th, the ‘Connection Matters’ theme encourages small everyday moments of connection to reduce feelings of loneliness and increase connection.
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, added: “We are asking people to join in by spreading the word, building connections by organising or joining an activity or event, and following us on social media and sharing stories of connection.”
The UK is currently estimated to be losing around £32 billion a year due to loneliness and disconnected communities. Marmalade Trust is calling on everyone to strive for a future where open conversations about loneliness are commonplace. This empowers individuals to share their emotions and strengthen social connections.
Marmalade Trust is offering free resources on how to make social connections, encouraging individuals, businesses, organisations, and community groups to join them in creating supportive communities. This year’s Loneliness Awareness Week takes place from June 12th to 18th.
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