Together This Summer: Tackling Loneliness Through Connection

This week is Loneliness Awareness Week, a national campaign shining a light on the experience of loneliness and encouraging people to build meaningful connections. At Age UK Norfolk, our Together This Summer campaign is highlighting the importance of companionship and the difference that a simple conversation can make.

Loneliness is something that can affect anyone. It is felt when someone does not have the quality or quantity of social connections they would like. While we often imagine loneliness looking or feeling a certain way, it is a deeply personal experience and can be different for every individual.

As we get older, factors such as bereavement, retirement, living alone, caring responsibilities, and physical or mental health conditions can increase the risk of loneliness. Changes that many people take for granted – such as reduced mobility, sight or hearing loss, or no longer being able to get out and about independently – can leave people spending long periods alone and feeling disconnected from the world around them.

The Difference a Phone Call Can Make

One of the ways Age UK Norfolk helps older people stay connected is through our Telephone Befriending Service. Our volunteers provide regular friendship calls, offering companionship, conversation and a listening ear.

Malcolm, who has volunteered as a telephone befriender for more than four years, explains why he continues to give his time:

"I've been befriending for over 4 years. I have 4 people I ring regularly and thoroughly enjoy it. It may sound strange, but I probably get as much out of it as the people I call do. It's very satisfying being able to talk to someone who may not have many people to talk to."

His experience reflects what many of our volunteers tell us – that befriending is rewarding for everyone involved. A regular phone call can help someone feel valued, connected and remembered.

Breaking the Stigma

One of the biggest barriers preventing people from seeking support is the stigma surrounding loneliness. Although loneliness is a normal human emotion, many people keep their feelings to themselves because they fear judgement, feel ashamed, or do not want to burden others.

Talking about loneliness can be the first step towards addressing it. Whether it's speaking with a family member, friend, neighbour, carer, GP, or a local organisation such as Age UK Norfolk, reaching out can help people understand what they are experiencing and identify ways to feel more connected.