Word on Health

Word on Chronic Loneliness

Our grateful thanks to the Campaign to End Loneliness for their contribution to our on-air report, which you can hear again via the audio player located at the bottom of this page, and for the use of the information and links below. To find out more about the work of the campaign click here.

Loneliness is a complex and often misunderstood subject. The definition that the Campaign to End Loneliness use is, "Loneliness is a subjective, unwelcome feeling of lack or loss of companionship, which happens when there is a mismatch between the quantity and quality of the social relationships that we have, and those that we want (Perlman and Peplau, 1981)" 

At Word on Health we don't pretend to be experts on loneliness, you can find out more via the Campaign to End Loneliness website and there are a number of charitable organisations providing dedicated help, support and resources listed below. 

The British Red Cross have a support line if you’re feeling lonely and want to talk to someone. Tel 0808 196 3651

Sense provides a range of advice, support and services on disability and loneliness.Tel 0300 330 9256

Cruse Bereavement Support  offers bereavement support.Tel 0808 808 1677 

Family Lives offers a confidential helpline service for families in England and Wales.Tel 0808 800 2222

Calm Zone is a helpline and web chat offering support to men in the UK who need to talk or are in crisis.Tel 0800 585858

When life is difficult, the Samaritans are there – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them free on 116 123 

Older People

The Silver Line for information, advice or just for a chat, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Helpline 0800 470 80 90

Age UK, support and advice for older people. Helpline 0800 169 6565

Independent Age, providing befriending services. Helpline 0800 319 6789

Royal Voluntary Service for help, advice and support: Helpline 0845 608 0122

Friends of the Elderly for year round support or call 0330 332 1110

Re-engage for year round support or call 0800 716543

Young People

If you are under 25, you can contact YoungMinds Crisis Messenger for free, 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. Text YM to 85258

Young Minds also offers a Parents Helpline on 0808 802 5544 

If you are younger and feeling lonely, you can visit SupportLine or call them on 01708 765 200

Children and young people can also contact Childline or call them on 0800 1111 for a 1-2-1 chat with a counsellor

Useful Resources:

The British Red Cross have a range of resources for people experiencing loneliness.

Independent Age have a free guide on what to do  If you’re feeling lonely

When They Get Older have a free guide on Helping your parents to overcome loneliness. 

Listen to this weeks radio report

All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.