Connecting to help fight loneliness

How to get involved with this amazing cause and help those who need it

WORDS BY FOX WHITEMORE AND KERRY SMITH

People all over the world struggle every day due to issues with mental health. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, anger, a phobia, low self-esteem, or another diagnosed condition such as borderline personality disorder, statistics from Mind say that one in four people are affected by mental health problems. So the chances are, you will need mental health awareness throughout your life to help yourself, your friends and family.

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event that has grown over the years into one of the nation’s largest awareness weeks, and an extremely important one too.

The observation week is set to take place on May 9-15 and this year, the annual theme is loneliness. Chosen due to the notable rise in cases of loneliness during the

Connecting to fight loneliness

There are many organisations run by people who want to provide real help for those suffering from loneliness.

Here are some of them that anyone can contact for more information on how they can help you or a loved one, or for businesses to support their campaigns.

Clic

clic-uk.org.uk A free online community to support everyone with their mental health. All you need to do is create a free account to gain access to chat rooms, mental health tips, tools, and safe, secure support.

Loneliness Prescription Service

mychoice.leicester.gov.uk A free and confidential service run by Leicester City Council. Services include unlimited telephone befriending services, advice, information on local events, one-to-one support, and mentors. Call Julia Day on 0116 223 7367 or email julia.day@ageukleics.org.uk.

Places of Welcome

placesofwelcome.org.uk There are over 450 Places of Welcome across the country run by local community groups. They provide a place for people to connect with one another, find belonging and offer gifts and skills that interest them. Search for your nearest Place of Welcome in Leicestershire on the website.

Mental Health Awareness Week

lockdowns of the past few years, it is a problem that continues to be on the rise in the UK. The effects of loneliness mean a person can often feel isolated from loved ones, colleagues or society, but as we now begin to move on from the restrictions of the pandemic, it is vital that we raise awareness of how we can effectively combat loneliness, one of the most prevalent factors in the deterioration of mental health.

Loneliness is often a cyclical problem in that a person’s mental health can be affected by it whilst poor mental health can also cause loneliness.

“Loneliness can be both the driver for and a product of poor mental health,” the Mental Health UK website points out. Breaking this cycle is necessary, but it isn’t always easy.

Connection is the key to combatting it.

Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL)

valonline.org.uk A charity that supports community groups by providing volunteer opportunities. Use VAL’s volunteer search to find the ideal volunteering role for you, or you can sign up as an organisation to advertise your volunteer roles.

First Contact Plus

firstcontactplus.org.uk An online tool to help adults in Leicestershire find information about a range of services all in one place. Information and resources on housing, health, living independently, money advice, work, security and other topics that assist the county’s residents can all be found on this site.

Leicestershire Communities

leicestershirecommunities.org.uk Working in partnership with communities to improve the lives of people living or working in Leicestershire. The website provides a range of useful information to help local people actively participate in their communities.

Mental Health UK

mentalhealth-uk.org.uk Learn more about loneliness and download flyers, brochures, video call backgrounds, email signatures and more to show your support for Mental Health

Awareness Week.