Loneliness Awareness Week 2026
Loneliness and social isolation can have a serious impact on people’s wellbeing. It can mean having no one to help with everyday challenges, no emotional support during illness and a loss of confidence, connection and joy.
This Loneliness Awareness Week, hear directly from Islington residents and professionals about the realities of isolation and how long term health conditions and other factors can impact.
Find out also how Age UK Islington, working closely with GPs and other local organisations, is helping residents to develop support networks of their own.
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Sarah's story: taking the first step
Sarah's moving story shows how loneliness can gradually affect confidence, wellbeing and daily life.
Determined to make a change, she made a conscious effort to reconnect with her community, try new activities and build new social connections.
With support from Age UK Islington, she discovered new opportunities, friendships and a renewed sense of purpose.
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GP talks about tackling lonelinessess
Loneliness and social isolation can have a significant impact on people's health and wellbeing.
Patrick McDaid, Clinical Director of Primary Care Network 1, explains how his GP practice works with an Age UK Islington Social Prescriber to support patients with non-medical needs.
This includes help for people to find social connections.
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Men’s Health and Staying Connected
Some men can be reluctant to reach out to find social connections, yet doing so is important for positive mental health and building a support network.
Find out how Arsenal in the Community is helping local men stay active for health, including a recent Men's Health Event for Islington Carers Hub male carers with a GP talk on prostate health.
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Befriending: reaching people who cannot get out
For some people, attending activities and groups is simply not possible because of poor health, disability or reduced mobility.
Age UK Islington's befriending service provides valued regular companionship and conversation for older people who find it very difficult to get out or cannot leave their homes. This is a limited service due to funding contraints.
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Behind every referral is a different story
Not everyone experiencing loneliness is ready or able to join a local activity.
Meet Beatrice and Maria from the Age UK Islington team, who highlight how Social Prescribing and Navigation support clients with different levels of need.
Their experiences highlight the value of compassionate, personalised support and the very real barriers that health and mobility problems can create.
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Stay connected with what's happening in Islington
Building social connections today can help create a support network for the future.
The Age UK Islington Get Togethers programme and quarterly newsletter help residents discover local activities, events and opportunities to connect with others.
Explore what's happening locally in community venues across the borough of Islington and download the latest printed Get Together newsletter.
If it’s been a while since you joined an activity in-person or online, or if you're feeling a bit unsure about trying something new, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team is here to help you find something that suits your interests, preferences, or any specific needs you may have.
📞 Call the Age UK Islington helpline:
020 7281 6018
📧 Email: gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk
🕘 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
For more information
To help us expand our Befriending programme, please see details of how to support us.