Anyone can suffer loneliness

Young or old, living with others or a family. Loneliness doesn’t discriminate.

Loneliness isn’t always about living on your own because people who do live by themselves may have an active social life.

Fourteen per cent of children nationally, aged 10 to 12, say they often feel lonely says the Office of National Statistics. And more young women than men say they do.

Loneliness can even be as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

But if you physically or mentally cannot get out and meet people, don’t worry. There is help.

Our Sports and Leisure Team runs a number of different physical activity classes for all age groups, which may help combat loneliness. (See page 4)

And there are lots of other places you can go:

• Age UK Berkshire (0118) 959 4242

• The Link Visiting Scheme Wokingham (0118) 979 8019

• Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours day)

• Campaign Against Living Miserably: (0800) 585 858 or www.thecalmzone.net

• Cruse Bereavement Care: (0808) 808 1677

• Survivors of Bereaved by Suicide: (07545) 897 781 or email: wokinghamsobs@gmail.com

• DrugFam: (0300) 888 3853

• Mental Health Crisis Team: (0300) 365 0300

• HOPELineUK: (0800) 068 4141 or text (07786) 209 697But remember, if it’s an emergency, call 999 immediately.