Finding each other: tackling loneliness from the ground up

Loneliness is one of the most quietly damaging forces in modern life.  In England, the North East has the highest percentage of adults experiencing loneliness of any region, according to 2023/24 data.  Nationally, 24% of women report experiencing loneliness, slightly higher than the 20% reported by men.

For anyone living with long-term health conditions, going through major life changes or simply lacking regular social contact, the distance between a person and their community can feel impossible to bridge without the right support.

In towns and cities across the UK, grassroots organisations are building that bridge, one relationship at a time.

Coming together in Sunderland

In Sunderland, CHANCE (Community Help and Neighbourly Care for Everyone) works with residents who might otherwise find it difficult to connect with others in their community.  Supported by Community Foundation North East, the organisation runs regular activities including creative sessions, games and shared meals, providing welcoming spaces where people can meet, build relationships and simply spend time together.

For those who are not yet ready to take that step in a group setting, CHANCE also offers a befriending service, providing one-to-one support for individuals at home, helping them to take the first steps towards engaging more widely in their local area.  That combination of personal and group support is what makes the model effective.  People move gradually from initial contact to broader participation, building confidence and connection at their own pace.

In 2022 alone, more than 200 local people took part in activities and support delivered by CHANCE, reflecting both the demand for and the reach of this kind of community-led work.

A safe space for women in Thamesmead

Further south, in Thamesmead in south-east London, Women's Lounge is addressing loneliness in a different but equally rooted way.  Supported by The London Community Foundation, the group runs regular drop-in sessions designed to provide a safe and welcoming space where women can come together, share experiences and build connections.

Through sewing sessions and informal conversation, participants find both practical skills and something harder to quantify: the experience of being in a room with people who are open, willing to listen and ready to share.  For many women attending, particularly those who have experienced isolation or significant life upheaval, that environment can be transformative.

For H, it started with an invitation. H began attending Women's Lounge and found that taking part helped improve her confidence and her outlook on life.  Over time, she became more involved in the group, supporting others and taking on small responsibilities.  She described how it helped her feel more connected, saying that she "no longer feel[s] empty inside" and feels part of a wider support network.