We all experience loneliness to some degree but there is still stigma around it. Our awareness of loneliness has spiked since the COVID-19 pandemic when many people were isolated due to restrictions on movement and socialising. Media coverage has recently claimed we’re experiencing an epidemic of loneliness, and in November 2023, the World Health Organisation declared loneliness a global threat.
Research has found young people aged 16-29 years are more likely to experience loneliness than over 70s
Why are young people lonely? How can we prevent loneliness? We asked Dr. Lily Verity and Molly Talyor these important questions.
Recommendations from the episode
UK Youth: https://www.ukyouth.org/
Jo Cox Foundation: https://www.jocoxfoundation.org
Know Your Neighbourhood initiative: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/about-the-know-your-neighbourhood-fund
Camerados: https://camerados.org
Podcast series: Anatomy of Loneliness on BBC Radio
Help and support
If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in the episode, you can access free support via the following links:
The Mix helplines: https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support
Mind Charity contacts: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-people/useful-contacts/
Samaritans contact information: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
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Why are young people lonely, and what can we do about it?