How to support someone who is lonely

Loneliness Awareness Week takes place from 12th-18 June 2023 and it aims to raise awareness of loneliness and create supportive communities for everyone. 

According to research by the Samaritans, around 3 million people in England said they have felt lonely in the past 2 years.  

Loneliness can feel different for everyone and there are no set rules for how a person with loneliness may feel.  

Being aware of loneliness and the negativity it can cause is one thing, but knowing how to support someone who is lonely can be a challenge.  

 

Just be there 

Trust your instinct if you feel someone may need you. Sometimes just being there may be all somebody needs. You can ask how they are feeling or just let the conversation happen naturally as sometimes just having a chat with someone can help combat feelings of loneliness.  

 

Reassurance 

Within conversation, remind someone that feeling lonely is normal and that there is help available if the feelings are becoming overwhelming. Reassure them that the feelings of loneliness will end. 

 

Patience 

People who have been feeling lonely for a while may struggle with connecting at first. Be patient, encourage conversation and give them time to open up to you. 

 

Offer a listening ear  

It’s important to listen once someone starts talking. Even if you have no advice to offer, just listening to someone can help them talk through what is on their mind. It’s important to listen carefully and without interrupting or comparing your experiences to theirs or trying to solve their problems.  

Listening is a real skill, so consciously taking time to listen carefully is beneficial to anyone who is feeling lonely.  

 

There are many ways you can get involved with loneliness week – to find out more, visit lonelinessawarenessweek.org. 

 

It’s also a good idea to get training in mental health if you are unsure how you would handle any aspect of loneliness or any mental health issues within your workplace.  

 

We offer courses that can help and support you with mental health at work. 

 

 

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