Loneliness
Loneliness remains a significant social issue across the UK, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Here are some suggested ways in which people who are feeling lonely or isolated can access support as well as some national and local resources and groups that may be beneficial.
Build small but consistent social connections
Loneliness isn’t always about the number of people in your life; it’s often about the quality and consistency of interactions. Simple steps like chatting with neighbours, joining interest groups, or attending local community events can help create regular interactions that build a sense of belonging.
Create routine and purpose
Daily structure – like a regular morning walk, a weekly class, or a creative hobby – can provide stability and reduce feelings of isolation. Purposeful activities help anchor the day and create opportunities for interaction.
Join clubs, groups or activities
Participating in structured activities such as sports teams, book clubs, art classes, gardening groups, or walking groups gives people with shared interests opportunities to connect.
Volunteer your time
Volunteering not only helps others but also creates opportunities to meet new people and feel part of something bigger. Whether it’s supporting a charity shop, befriending schemes, or helping at events, volunteering often fosters strong social connections.
Use technology to keep in touch
When in‑person connection is limited, video calls, group chats, or online communities can help bridge the gap. Many people find social apps, digital hobby groups, or virtual meetups genuinely supportive, especially when mobility, distance, or health issues make offline socialising difficult.
When you’re online, it’s important to stay mindful of how to protect yourself and your devices from things like fraud, identity theft, viruses, and other digital risks. Get Safe Online offers clear, unbiased, and easy-to-understand guidance to help you stay safe and confident while using the internet.
Strengthen existing relationships
Sometimes reconnecting with friends or family members – even those we haven’t spoken to in a while – can help reduce loneliness. Sending a simple message, scheduling a catch‑up, or suggesting a shared activity can rebuild connections.
Social prescribing link workers
Social prescribing link workers play a key role in delivering social prescribing by giving people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me’ and taking a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing in order to connect them to appropriate community groups and services. Social prescribing link workers play a pivotal role by developing trusting relationships and providing personalised support. As a result, their work:
- strengthens community resilience
- reduces health inequalities by addressing the wider determinants of health, such as debt, poor housing and physical inactivity
- increases people’s active involvement with their local communities
Social prescribing link workers also support existing community groups to be accessible and sustainable, and help people to start new groups, working collaboratively with all local partners.
Sometimes, different names are used to describe the link worker role. These include community connector, wellbeing advisor, community navigator and health advisor, depending on local preference.
A large proportion of social prescribing referrals are made by GPs; however, people can be easily referred to local social prescribing link workers from a wide range of local agencies, including wider general practice, local authorities, pharmacies, multi-disciplinary teams, hospital discharge teams, allied health professionals, fire service, police, job centres, social care services, housing associations and VCSE organisations. Self-referral is also encouraged.
You can find answers to common questions about social prescribing on an NHS England webpage.
Key topic summary about loneliness in Derbyshire
The loneliness key topic summary on the Derbyshire Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) website provides extensive insight into loneliness in Derbyshire and its significance for population health, highlighting its direct and indirect effects on wellbeing and its links to broader health inequalities. There are links that offer helpful resources designed to give individuals, healthcare professionals, and communities the knowledge and tools they need to better understand and address loneliness as a population health issue.
If loneliness affects your wellbeing, seek support
Loneliness can affect your mental wellbeing, so reaching out to a GP, therapist, or local support service can make a big difference.
Age UK Derby and Derbyshire can also help with information about different ways of reducing loneliness and isolation, telephone: 01773 766922. The national Age UK website has a section dedicated to information and advice that can help if you or someone you know is feeling lonely.
The Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign can help people find out about possible signs of loneliness, reasons why people feel lonely, and ways to manage it. There are also links to more support if you or someone else needs it.
The Campaign to End Loneliness believes that people of all ages need connections that matter. Their vision is that everyone can live a life free from chronic loneliness.
Mind offers helpful information about loneliness – what causes it, how it connects to mental health, and practical tips to cope. You’ll also find guidance on where to get extra support if you or someone else needs it.
The Mental Health Foundation breaks down what loneliness is, who can experience it, how to cope, and how to support someone else who is feeling lonely.
Derbyshire County Council has gathered information and resources about tackling loneliness.
As part of their England Loneliness Project, the British Deaf Association (BDA) commissioned 3 British Sign Language (BSL) translated videos about loneliness covering definitions of loneliness, how to cope with loneliness, and top ten tips to reduce loneliness. These videos may help you understand loneliness and how to cope if you are feeling lonely.
Places of Welcome is a growing network of local community groups providing their neighbourhoods with places where all people feel safe to connect, belong and get involved.
If you’re after a friendly chat, tips to support your wellbeing, or a community that really understands, take a look at the Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service Facebook page.
There are lots of groups and projects across Derbyshire that are helping to tackle loneliness and improve social connections.