09 May Tackling Loneliness for Mental Health Awareness Week 2022
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year’s theme is loneliness. This nationally recognised week will explore the experience of loneliness, its effect on our mental health, and how we can all play a part in reducing loneliness in our communities. We are encouraged to build meaningful connections with our friends, family, colleagues, and communities.
Loneliness affects millions of people in the UK every year and is a key driver of poor mental health. The Foundation’s Mental Health in the Pandemic research has found that loneliness has been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic. Loneliness has been a key factor contributing to higher levels of distress, resulting from people’s sense of isolation and reduced ability to connect with others. Further polling also found that loneliness was one of the leading issues that the public felt needed to be addressed.
We all feel lonely from time to time. Feelings of loneliness are very personal, so everyone’s experience of loneliness will be different. But loneliness is not always the same as being alone. You may choose to be alone and live happily without much contact with other people, while others may find this a lonely experience
The week will raise awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental well-being and the practical steps we can take to help each other.
As a business, we aim to improve our connectivity during Mental Health Awareness Week, and together, we will:
• Raise awareness of the links between mental health and loneliness
• Provide safe and welcoming spaces to talk and support each other
• Upskill people to use technology and keep in touch with loved ones
We are actively encouraging our teams to engage with and support each other during work and downtime. Volunteering days have been particularly effective in getting us out of the office and talking whilst having a positive impact on the environment and our communities. A ‘double-whammy’ – so to speak!
We will be meeting for Coffee, cake, and chat throughout the week (and beyond) so if you are in the vicinity – pop in! We’d love to catch up.
For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #IveBeenThere
