Loneliness Awareness Week 2026

This Loneliness Awareness Week (15th – 21st June), Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are raising awareness of the issue of loneliness among older people, the stigma that’s often attached, and the services that are available to help. 

We often think of loneliness as looking or feeling a certain way, but loneliness is a deeply personal and unique experience to every individual. As we get older, risk factors that might lead to loneliness can increase – this includes bereavement, retirement, living alone, physical and mental health conditions, and caring for a loved one. Other life changes, such as losing things many take for granted like good sight, hearing and the ability to walk to the shops, can lead to people spending countless hours alone with no-one to talk to and feeling isolated from the world around them. 

One barrier that can stop older people who are experiencing loneliness from reaching out for support is stigma. Loneliness is a very normal human emotion, yet we often keep it to ourselves due to fear of shame, judgement or a wish not to burden or accuse the person you are speaking to. Speaking to someone you trust – be it a family member, friend, neighbour, carer, GP or your local Age UK – can help you understand what it is you’re experiencing and work out the next steps you can take to improve your situation. 

Being socially active and making a conscious effort to remain this way throughout your life can have a positive effect on your long term mental and physical health – and could ultimately contribute to living better for longer. 

Many of our services can support you with isolation and loneliness: