Let’s talk loneliness: Southampton supports Loneliness Awareness Week 2021 (14-20 June 2021)

Southampton City Council backs the Marmalade Trust’s Loneliness Awareness Week which runs between 14-20 June, to build a greater awareness and acceptance of loneliness and help people to manage the feeling.

Findings from The Office of National Statistics (ONS) Opinions and Lifestyle Survey* carried out between 14 October 2020 to 22 February 2021 found that loneliness rates in Southampton were at 10.5%. The map represents the percentages of adults aged 16 years and over across Great Britain who were asked how often they felt lonely and responded with "often or always".

Age and marital status are also known to be significant factors in experiences of loneliness and previous research during the pandemic found nearly two-thirds of students reported a worsening in their mental health and wellbeing.

Councillor Ivan White, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care comments:

“As we gradually emerge from restrictions and Get Southampton Moving, it’s understandable that many people may still be feeling lonely, isolated or anxious about getting back out and about. These feelings may have a negative impact to people’s wellbeing and is not to be ignored. We must accept that loneliness exists and remove the stigma and shame surrounding it. Let’s talk about loneliness and ask how someone is. By building a greater awareness and acceptance of it, we can help ourselves and others to manage the feeling and know what to do if they or someone they know is feeling lonely.”

Throughout the pandemic, volunteers have played a key role in tackling social isolation and loneliness. Locally, community partners have found that volunteering has mutual benefits, offering opportunities that build connections, particularly for people experiencing loneliness.

Doreen Smith was a Communicare service user before the pandemic and is now one of its team of dedicated telephone befrienders. The 83-year-old was a regular guest at Communicare’s tea parties for a number of years and has also benefited from other support given by the charity. During the pandemic she realised that its new telephone befriending service was something that she could volunteer to help with and was paired with someone who had requested a regular call. Then a new friendship began.

She says: “I couldn’t get out and about but knew that I could do this. It really helps us both. We both look forward to our weekly chat. We have a great laugh and it breaks up the week. I love doing this and am so pleased to have been able to join the team of volunteers at Communicare. It is such a lovely organisation.”

If loneliness continues for some time, it can seriously start to affect your health and wellbeing. There are many local charities, organisations and helpline services that can offer support:

• So:Linked: the online database of community links is regularly updated for people to search for help, guidance and services on a variety of topics by postcode. There’s also a list of ‘things to do’ to help ease boredom at home, and build connections and a range of volunteering opportunities. If you'd like to chat through with someone what is available our friendly navigators are a phone call or email away. Call 023 8021 6050 or email soccg.solinked@nhs.net
• Age UK Southampton: Have been providing wellbeing calls during COVID-19 and the face to face Home Visiting for a weekly visit from a trusted, trained volunteer will be resuming soon. They are looking for volunteers, please visit the Age UK volunteering site to find out more
• Communicare:The organisation’s Good Neighbours’ Network is currently supporting around 600 individuals/families through tasks including one-to-one telephone befriending and transport for essential appointments and assistance with shopping. If you are interested in volunteering visit Communicare in Southampton's volunteering site.
• Saints Foundation: Outdoor walking sessions have returned, offering opportunities to connect and improve physical health. The Senior Saints Strolls are for anyone over the age of 60, all at a moderate level and between 2 to 3km. For more information and to see the current timetable visit the Saints Foundation website.
• Youth Options: Through its open access youth work provision, Youth Options can help young people aged 6-16 who are feeling lonely by giving them a friendly adult to talk to, who will help them engage with others in fun activities or signpost them to other agencies. Children and young people can just turn up to the following services in Southampton:
  • Play & Youth in the west of Southampton currently running 3pm – 5pm Monday (Freemantle Lake Park); Tuesday (St James’ Park) & Friday (Mansel Park)
  • Lordshill Youth Project Monday & Tuesday 5.30pm-9.pm and Wednesday 2.15pm-5.15pm
  • Co-op Detached Youth Work: Wednesday 5.30pm-9pm (Daisy Dip)