This pack explores what loneliness is, how it can affect our mental health, and the different ways we can connect with ourselves, others and the world around us to feel less lonely.
Finding our connections to ourselves, others, and the world around us, is fundamental to protecting our mental health and reducing feelings of loneliness.
Loneliness is when we feel we do not have the meaningful relationships we want around us. It's something we can all experience from time to time, throughout our lives, and will be different for everyone.
A YouGov poll (2019) of 13 to 19-year-olds found 69% said they felt alone “often” or “sometimes” in the last fortnight and 59% feel like they “often” or “sometimes have no one to talk to”.
It's important to support young people in recognising when they are feeling lonely, understanding their thoughts and feelings, and identifying the supportive connections they have.
Usually, when I feel lonely I want to reach out to people. It doesn’t been to be an actual conversation, it can be just sending a funny meme to a friend or go and do something that makes me feel better, like playing a game. And when my friends feel lonely I make sure to reassure them and let them know how much their company is appreciated.
The students who took part in the workshops felt really proud that they were helping shape the resources for the school pack, and that sharing their lived experiences would mean the resources would be as best fit as possible, for other students and young people, facing the barriers they face in today’s society.
Loneliness research
Finding our connections to ourselves, others, and the world around us, is fundamental to protecting our mental health and reducing feelings of loneliness.
Loneliness is when we feel we do not have the meaningful relationships we want around us. It's something we can all experience from time to time, throughout our lives, and will be different for everyone.
A YouGov poll (2019) of 13 to 19-year-olds found 69% said they felt alone “often” or “sometimes” in the last fortnight, and 59% feel like they “often” or “sometimes have no one to talk to”.
Our Loneliness research
If you need support
Support for children and young people
The Mix – a UK-based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25. Young people can get support from the trained team, either by phone, webchat, or email
Shout 85258 – a free, confidential, 24/7 text-messaging support service.
Samaritans – a UK-based charity that provides free support anytime, from any phone. Call free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org .
Support for school staff
Education Support – Education Support provides mental health and wellbeing support to teachers and education staff in schools, colleges and universities. Call free on 08000 562 561 to speak to a qualified counsellor. They will offer you immediate, confidential emotional support.
Support for parents and caregivers
Young Mind’s Parent Helpline and Webchat provides advice and support for parents and caregivers who are worried about a child or young person.
