Meeting Loneliness Together: How Mental Health Matters Wales is Making a Difference
- mhmadmin
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
Loneliness Awareness Week (9–15 June 2025) is an annual campaign led by the Marmalade Trust to break the stigma around loneliness. This year’s theme – “Meeting Loneliness Together” – is all about encouraging honest conversations and strengthening connections in our communities.
Why Loneliness Awareness Week Matters
Loneliness can affect anyone at any age and from any walk of life. And when it lingers, it can have a serious impact on both mental and physical health.
It’s linked to a higher risk of depression, anxiety, heart disease, dementia, and even premature death.
The UK Government appointed a “Minister for Loneliness” in 2018, recognising the scale of the issue.
During the pandemic, around 4 million people in the UK experienced chronic loneliness.
What’s happening in Wales?
1 in 5 people in Wales report feeling lonely “always or often”.
48% say they feel lonely from time to time.
Young people (16–24) are particularly affected, with 1 in 3 feeling lonely often.
Among over-65s, 72% feel lonely at least sometimes – with 10% saying they feel it constantly.
People who are lonely are five times more likely to report low mental wellbeing.
What MHM Wales is Doing to Help
At Mental Health Matters Wales, tackling loneliness is part of our everyday mission. We work across communities to make sure that no one feels invisible or alone.
🗣️ Befriending and Peer Support
We run safe, welcoming peer groups and one-to-one befriending in areas like Swansea and RCT, where people can share experiences and build friendships in a relaxed setting.
📣 Community Outreach
From coffee mornings and walks to informal drop-in sessions, our team and volunteers are out and about – including at local GP surgeries and Maesteg Hospital – encouraging people to come along, have a chat, and connect.
📲 Online Conversations
We promote online discussions that normalise loneliness and highlight local support, reaching people who might feel most isolated.
🌳 Social Prescribing / Signposting
We work with GPs and partners to link people to local clubs, walking groups, creative workshops and wellbeing sessions – small steps that make a big difference.
Why It Works – The Benefits
Better mental health - Tackles anxiety and low mood through real connection.
Stronger community ties - Helps build trust and belonging in local areas.
Health and wellbeing gains - Connection improves both emotional and physical wellbeing.
Fairer access to support - Reaches people who might not access traditional services.
Challenging stigma - Encourages more open conversations around loneliness.
How You Can Join In
Even the smallest gesture can make a world of difference.
☕ Invite someone for a cuppa and a chat.
🫂 Host a small gathering or join a community event.
🤝 Volunteer or donate to help us reach more people.
📣 Share the message online using:
Loneliness may be a part of life – but it doesn’t have to define it. This week and beyond, we invite you to be part of the solution. Join us in creating stronger, more connected communities where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
For information on events or to get involved, visit mhmwales.org.uk or email info@mhmwales.org
Sources:
Comments