Advice and support if you feel alone

Anyone can experience loneliness at any time in their lives. People of all ages and backgrounds can be affected.

This advice may help you cope with feeling lonely or give you an understanding of how someone who is lonely may feel.

1. Remember you are not alone. Lots of people of all ages and backgrounds feel lonely. Around 9 million adults in the UK say they are often or always lonely.
2. Think about what is making you feel lonely. Anyone can experience loneliness at some point in their life, but the reasons why will vary from person to person. Taking time to think about what’s causing you to feel lonely may help with finding what could help you to feel differently.
3. Look out for local resources. If you’re going to the doctors or your local library, look for leaflets about any local events, exercise classes, book clubs, coffee mornings or playgroups that may help you connect with your community.
4. Take up a new hobby that can be done in pairs or groups like learning a language. It might be something you’re not immediately hugely interested in but it could lead to other things. If you don’t like it, you can always change your mind and do something else.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Try opening up to someone who you feel comfortable talking to, whether that’s a member of your family, a friend or your GP.
6. Accept help when it’s presented to you. It might be a friend or a neighbour suggesting that you to go round for a brew. Don’t think that you’re a nuisance or they’re not offering because they want to see you. Try not to worry about how you’re being perceived.
7. Volunteer. It can be a great way to meet new people and make new connections. You could help out at a local charity shop, or use your skills to support others. 
8. Surround yourself with activity. If you’re feeling alone, why not pop out to a coffee shop or somewhere where there’s some activity going on. You may meet someone else in a similar situation to you and it might spark a conversation. Try to smile at people. Having someone smile back could change your day.
9. Join groups online. If you can’t leave the house, try joining an online community who share similar interests to you. You can also try inviting people into your home if you find it difficult to go out.
10. Access free services. There is lots of support out there which could help you address the causes of your loneliness.
    
    You can refer yourself to our loneliness service to help you reconnect with your community and meet new people. We also offer online wellbeing support resources for those who feel lonely. 
    
    You can also see information on other organisations that can help.