15 organisations that can help people feeling lonely
As part of our Country Living loneliness campaign, we have rounded-up the charities, organisations and helpline services that provide support for people who are lonely. Whether it's providing advice on where to meet new people, helping bereaved people get used to life without a loved one or supporting individuals with the mental health symptoms associated with feeling lonely, there's sure to be someone here who can help...
FOR OLDER PEOPLE
1. The Silver Line
This free helpline for older people across the UK is open every day and every night. Staff can offer information, friendship and advice, as well as linking callers to local groups and services. Silver Line Friends provides a weekly friendship call or email, while Silver Circle offers a regular group call on different subjects of interest.
Helpline: 0800 470 80 90
2. U3A (University of the Third Age)
U3A brings together people in their ‘third age’, allowing ‘students’ to develop their interests in an informal and welcoming environment. It covers hundreds of subjects – from bird-watching to Shakespeare.
3. Re-engage
Re-engage helps older people reconnect with their communities though regular face-to-face meetings, providing a lifeline of friendship.
Helpline: 0800 716543
4. Age UK
Age UK (the joint project of Age Concern and Help the Aged) aims to combat loneliness through its befriending service. After calling in, the older person is matched with a befriender with similar interests, providing regular companionship. The volunteer might visit the older person at home, or accompany them to a café, the theatre or a doctor’s appointment. Volunteer befrienders are also welcome at any age.
Helpline: 0800 169 6565
5. Independent Age
Founded 150 years ago, Independent Age offers a free advice service on social care and welfare benefits. Its Wise Guides provide information on finances, staying independent and getting the most out of later life. While its befriending and practical support service provides companionship.
Helpline: 0800 319 6789
More on loneliness:
FOR PARENTS AND WIDOWS
6. Way – Widowed and Young
The Way Foundation is the only national charity in the UK for men and women aged 50 or under who have lost their partner. The peer-to-peer support group is run by volunteers who have also lost someone close to them at a young age. The organisation arranges social groups and weekends away for adults and families, and provides a members-only website for people to meet and chat online.
7. Griefcast
Cariad Lloyd’s award-winning podcast featuring ‘funny people’ talking about death and grief. Guests include actress Olivia Williams, comedian David Baddiel and BBC presenter Fi Glover.
TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH
8. Mind
The Mind Info Line offers callers confidential advice. The organisation also campaigns for better mental health services around the country.
Helpline: 0300 123 3393
9. The Mix
The Mix offers support for anyone aged 13 to 25 with any sort of challenge – from mental health to money, break-ups to drugs, finding a job to homelessness.
Helpline: 0808 808 4994
10. The Samaritans
The Samaritans runs a 24/7 helpline for anyone who wants someone to listen without judgment or pressure. You can also train to become a volunteer.
Helpline: 116 123
TO MAKE FRIENDS
11. MeetUpMondays
MeetUpMondays aims to strengthen communities by running free, weekly coffee mornings at cafes and pubs across the UK.
12. Next Door
NextDoor offers a social network for local communities, enabling you to talk to your neighbours online.
13. Natural Voice Network
Love singing? Natural Voice Network provides a useful directory of choirs throughout the country, where enthusiasm trumps ability.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
14. The Cinnamon Trust
The Cinnamon Trust is a network of 15,000 volunteers that help owners look after their pets by walking their dog or fetching cat food or cleaning out a bird cage.
Helpline: 01736 757 900
15. Do it
Do it provides a huge directory of volunteering opportunities from walkers for guide dogs to counsellors at a hospice. You can search by area.
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