Isolation, loneliness and social connections
We all feel lonely sometimes.
People can feel lonely at any age and at different points in their life. It's a very personal experience.
Loneliness is not the same as being alone - some people are very happy in solitude. Although being isolated can cause loneliness, it's possible to be surrounded by people and still feel lonely.
When you may feel lonely
People may start to feel lonely when their life changes or at difficult times in their life:
- health conditions or illnesses that limit mobility and social interaction.
- feeling low, depressed or anxious.
- moving house or moving to a new area.
- changing school, starting university, new employment or retirement.
- bereavement.
- other changes such as relationship problems with friends, families, divorce and separation.
- being in caring role that makes participation in social activities challenging.
- living alone.
- not having enough money to socialise.
- discrimination or exclusion and bullying.
- language, cultural and identity issues.
What to do if you or someone you know feels lonely
There are lots of things people can do help them themselves such as:
- reaching out to family or friends.
- joining new activities to create new social connections.
- projects for people who might want a bit of extra support.
- asking your GP for a referral to a social prescribing link worker - they work alongside GP's and in the community to support people to enjoy activities of interest to them in their local community.
- volunteering. To get help with finding a volunteer role, check out TSL Kirklees Volunteering .
- finding out more about social prescribing, including social prescribing link workers: Personalised care.
- joining activities in the local area. Community Directory lists a variety of events and Kirklees Libraries offer a range of activities in your local community that support wellbeing and social connection.
Kirklees Community Plus aim is to help people live healthier, happier lives and feel more able to look after themselves.
They work with people of all ages, providing flexible and personalised support.
Their coordinators offer short-term support, which can be in your home, by telephone, a local venue or a mixture of all three.
Kirklees Community Plus listen to what's important and they put your wellbeing at the heart of our conversations.
Befriending
Everyone experiences loneliness now and again but as times change and we get older, family and relatives move away, or we suffer the loss of a loved one; being home alone becomes difficult.
If you are feeling lonely or isolated, a befriending service can give you companionship and help you feel more connected and lead a more fulfilling life. You can request a befriender for yourself or ask someone to contact them on your behalf.
Age UK and their partner charity The Silver Line offer free telephone friendship services, so people can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone. Over 60s can be matched with a friendly volunteer.
To reduce loneliness or isolation, vulnerable and older adults can receive scheduled visits or phone calls from a certified volunteer friend. The service is available to adults over the age of 18 who may be experiencing isolation and loneliness.
You can be referred by a professional, family or self-refer.
Through befriending, lunch clubs, assisted shopping, activity and friendship sessions, outings, escorts to appointments and much more, MHA Communities help to tackle loneliness and isolation in people over 55 - helping them to lead fulfilled lives and remain as active members in their local communities.
You can request support from volunteers, either for themselves or someone they know (with that person's permission)
NHS CARE Volunteer Responders: I'd like support .
Health and care teams can:
- refer people for Check In and Chat and Check In and Chat Plus friendly telephone calls.
- request pick up and deliver support with the delivery of medication and supplies.
- request community response support with essential shopping, lateral flow tests and prescription delivery.
The Royal Voluntary Service inspires and enables people to give the gift of voluntary service to meet the needs of the day. Through the power of volunteering, they provide one-to-one, group and online services that improve health and wellbeing, resilience, confidence and connections.
Re-engage provides vital, life-enhancing social connections for older people at a time in their life when their social circles are diminishing.
The Cuppa Club is a free monthly meet-up promoting friendship and community in Huddersfield. Refreshments and entertainment are free.
Other help
Sometimes the cost of living can impact on people's ability to socialise.
Home-Start Kirklees work alongside families to develop self-confidence and skills, to access peer support and expand social networks. Families can contact Home-Start directly but can also be referred by local professionals.
Mental health support is available if you are experiencing low mood and feel you would like additional support.
If you have been bereaved, you may also wish to access specific bereavement support.