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Combatting loneliness

 

 

 

 

 

 

Help us end loneliness

 

What is loneliness?

Loneliness can be understood as an individual’s personal, subjective sense of lacking desired affection, closeness, and social interaction with others. Loneliness is not the same as social isolation. Although it has a social aspect, loneliness is also defined by an individual’s subjective emotional state.

 

Understanding the difference between the terms 'Loneliness' and 'Social Isolation'.

loneliness in figures

 

 

Susan has spent many weeks without seeing a soul in her 1-bedroom flat. Born in South London without children of her own, she lived with her disabled parents.  Though they may have passed away many decades ago she still thinks of them everyday and talks to their photograph.

Now Susan gets regular visits from volunteers at Age UK. Susan is grateful for her visits and feels happy reliving a real conversation for many days afterwards.

Age UK Dacorum's Telephone Club and Befriending service offer the opportunity for anyone over 50 living alone to receive free calls and visits from our friendly volunteers and staff.     
 

For more information contact us online or call us at 01442 259049.

Publications and guides

  •

    Our Stories #Loneliness

    Read Malcolm's and Jane's stories. Connect to our social media on #Loneliness

  •

    When someone dies

    When someone dies there are things that have to be done; often at an incredibly difficult time when we feel least able to manage.

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    Your Mind Matters

    This guide looks at talking about mental health, the common symptoms of mental health problems and what support is available.

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    Bereavement

    The death of someone close to us can be one of the hardest things we ever have to deal with. This guide is written to help you cope with the range of feelings you may go through during this difficult time.

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