Blog

Active mind, active thoughts - Libby's story

I’m Libby, I’m 22 and I live near Wakefield. For the last four years, I have worked as a carer in the community. I have experienced loneliness myself and also amongst those I helped throughout the pandemic, many people’s mental health deteriorated during this time.

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Somebody needs you - Larysa's story

Larysa talks about her experience of arriving in the UK after the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, not having any friends in her new home in Cardiff and connecting with another refugee from Yemen. Finding someone who knew how she felt helped her start to rebuild trust.

In the sticks - Fox's story

Fox talks about being disabled and the feeling of loneliness being isolated in a rural setting, together with being queer and trans. Not being able to connect with his friends who lived far away had a huge effect on his mental health.

Forming your identity - Iona's story

Iona talks about the challenges of being autistic and her feelings of loneliness after leaving school to go to university. Being outside your 'comfort zone' also had an effect on her mental health, but as she says in her story, "starting with small things can help". Volunteering and starting dance classes were her way of starting out on that journey.

There should be no shame in how we feel - Carol's story

My name's Carol and I'm in my sixties. I'm retired and live in Norfolk. I lost my husband suddenly just before lockdown and, in moving to a new area, found loneliness made my feelings worse.

Putting down roots - Ashleigh's story

Ashleigh talks about life in Scotland, coping with physical and mental health conditions, being a victim of voyeurism and the help she got from her connections with local LGBT groups. Ashleigh says "Talking to people and joining groups have provided me with a lot of reassurance and encouragement. It’s helped me to feel less lonely and part of a community, and that’s made all the difference."

Experience the world - April's story

When April talked to us, she described her feelings of loneliness, both as a child and as an adult. It felt almost natural to feel that way. Then, after a few weeks of lockdown, she felt the 'novelty' of lockdown was replaced with a sense of deprivation or a "fog". Having a dog is a great excuse for betting outside and April found it was a good conversation starter.

Feeling heard makes things much better - Gabi's story

My name’s Gabi and I’m in my early thirties. A milestone birthday made me feel lonely even though I was surrounded by loved ones. My experience of loneliness spiralled into depression but looking back on this period, I can see how talking to people helped my recovery.

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Mehnaz - a case study

Mehnaz is 26 years old and lives with her parents in Birmingham. She is a student nearing the end of her degree after her studies were interrupted by ill-health leading to her completing a 3-year degree in 9 years.

Big Steps Forward - Dean's Story

I’m Dean and I live with my wife and eldest son near Nottingham. I was furloughed for 18 months during the pandemic from my job at a farm park. Even surrounded by his family, I experienced severe loneliness and felt very low.

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