Loneliness Awareness Week

This week (12 – 18 June 2023) is Loneliness Awareness Week, created by Marmalade Trust to help reduce the stigma of loneliness.

Loneliness is unique to each individual. For example, for one individual this may mean they feel isolated from others and are lacking the feeling of companionship, making them feel sad. For others, they may be surrounded by people, but still feel lonely if they believe that they do not belong in a particular group/place.

Analysis of Office for National Statistics (ONS) data from the Campaign to End Loneliness found that between December 2021 and February 2022, 3.3 million people living in Britain were ‘chronically lonely’. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this figure was a lot higher compared to a previous survey carried out by ONS between April and May 2020, suggesting that 2.6 million adults were chronically lonely. Others may simply feel lonely at certain times of the day or year – it is personal to each individual and can occur at any age.

Clearly, the last few years have been challenging for most people; the uncertainty and isolation caused by the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis are likely to have had an impact on individuals’ mental health.

This short article will outline what you can do as an employer, employee or as someone who has experienced loneliness to help alleviate this feeling.

Looking after your employees

Although working from home appears to have its perks, namely the avoidance of the early commute and greater flexibility, it can also mean that employees may feel isolated and lonely, particularly if they live alone and do not leave the house often. However, employees can also feel lonely at work if they do not feel understood by the people around them. The average person will spend over 3,500 days at work throughout their lives, therefore it is important that employers are aware that some of their staff may be feeling this way.

As an employer you could:

• Regularly check in with your employee and ask if they have any wellbeing concerns. It is key to maintain strong communication and know your staff well;
• If you have an office space, coordinate a team day so everyone is able to meet and work together in person;
• When onboarding new employees, try to help them make new connections. For example, a buddy scheme is a great way of doing this; and
• Offer mental health support. Employee Assistance Programmes can provide support on personal and work-related issues in order to increase your employee’s wellbeing.

Looking after your colleagues

If you believe that your colleague is feeling lonely, you could:

• Organise regular social activities. For example, invite them to have lunch or dinner with you;
• Communicate with them regularly throughout the day to check that they are feeling ok;
• Work as a team where you can; and
• Listen to how they are feeling if they are expressing any concerns of loneliness.

Looking after yourself – practical tips

Start small. The NHS recommends that regular conversations with family and friends can help to combat loneliness. Reaching out to those you can trust and sharing your feelings will help to make you feel as though you are not alone and people often feel more supported.  Making small steps that are easily achievable will make you feel as though you are taking a step forward.

Make new connections. If you feel confident, joining a new club related to one of your interests is a great way to make new friends with a common interest.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. It is easy to beat yourself up about how you are feeling, but it is crucial to remember the progress you are making to help combat loneliness.

Charities

Marmalade Trust offer information and support regarding loneliness. Their website can be found here: https://www.marmaladetrust.org/guides

The British Red Cross have a free, confidential support line for advice on loneliness. They can be contacted on 0808 196 3651.

Suffolk Mind can also be contacted on 0300 111 6000 or [email protected]. Their support includes a wide range of courses, training and therapeutic services which can enable you to better understand mental wellbeing and how you can help improve or maintain your own.

Age UK also provide various services to help tackle loneliness, such as a free weekly friendship call. More details can be found at https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/loneliness/how-to-overcome-loneliness/

How we can help

For further information, please contact  Annalie King, Head of our Employment Team or Rosie Brighty Employment Paralegal at Kerseys Solicitors in Ipswich 01473 213311 or Kerseys Solicitors in Colchester 01206 584584 or email [email protected].

You are not alone, Kerseys are just a click away visit our website and click “Call Me Back” and a member of our employment team will be happy to contact you at a time that is convenient to you.