Loneliness affects most of us at some stage of our lives, whether it’s for a few days, weeks or longer.

There are lots of things that can make us feel lonely, from a job or house move, to having a new baby, going through a break-up, retirement and bereavement. Sometimes it’s just how we feel.

You can also experience different types of loneliness; for example feeling like you don’t have a close emotional attachment to a friend or partner, not having people to spend time with, or being around other people but still feeling alone.

Perhaps you’re feeling lonely yourself right now or know someone who is. There’s no shame in feeling lonely, it’s a natural human emotion, and one of the best things we can do is to talk about it.

That’s what the Marmalade Trust encouraged the country to do during Loneliness Awareness Week (12-18 June). The campaign aimed to get people talking about loneliness and encourage people to connect, and reduce the stigma.

Tackling loneliness in our county is a top priority for us and our partners. In East Sussex the local authorities, NHS, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VSCE) sector and others have worked together on a ‘Connected People and Places’ project.

This aims to better understand the nature and impact of loneliness on local people and find ways to help address the problem. The findings and recommendations of this work will be published during July in the annual report of the Director of Public Health at East Sussex County Council.

Taking steps to make connections

Feeling lonely for a long time can impact our health and wellbeing, so it’s important we all take steps to help if we, or others, are experiencing loneliness.

Seeing a friendly face can help make us feel much less isolated, so one of the best things you can do is reach out and connect with other people. Whether that’s having regular chats with friends and family, joining a group or a club, or spending more time doing things you enjoy,

Even if you’re not experiencing it yourself, reaching out for a chat or a cup of tea could help lift someone else out of loneliness.

In East Sussex there’s lots of opportunities to help you connect more with others. Here are some examples and ideas:

• Our local libraries are a great way to connect with other people, whether it’s through a reading group, knit and natter sessions, board games, a library event, help to access technology, volunteering, or simply meeting a friend there. You can find a wide range of local groups, events and services using the council-run online directories East Sussex 1Space and East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS).
• Volunteering is a great way to meet people, and to learn new skills. Check out local opportunities and how to get involved.
• Take a look at the Dealing with loneliness section of the East Sussex Mental Health Directory, which includes information on free local groups and weekly health walks: Self-help for good mental health.

For more advice and support on loneliness take a look at the Marmalade Trust’s Guide to loneliness, and find a wealth of advice and practical tips on the NHS website.