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Support for loneliness
Access the support you need and discover ways to feel connected
We all feel lonely at times – it’s a natural human emotion. We're biologically wired for social contact, and loneliness is our signal that we need more. If you or someone you know is feeling lonely, there are lots of ways to feel better connected. You can also get in touch with the following organisations for more specialist support, advice or just someone to talk to about how your feeling.
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Take me to support for: Everyone ｜ Young people ｜ Older people ｜ Specialist areas ｜ Getting connected
Support for everyone
Professional body for talking therapy and counselling. Provides information and a list of accredited therapists.
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UK-wide mental health service database. Search for local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support.
Confidential and emotional support for people who are isolated or at risk.
T: 01708 765 200
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Campaign Against Living Miserably →
Support on a range of issues for anyone who needs it.
T: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm – midnight, daily)
Resources, information, a confidential helpline and an information line signposting service.
T: 0300 123 3393 (9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday)
A range of resources and helpline if you feel lonely or worried.
T: 0808 196 3651 (10am – 6pm, daily)
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A free listening service for whatever you are going through.
T: 116 123 (24 hours, daily) or email: jo@samaritans.com
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Family support services offered through a helpline, live chat and email support.
T: 0808 800 2222 (various hours, daily)
Shout 85258→
A free, confidential, anonymous text support service, 24/7. Text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained volunteer.
Support for young people
Chat with a counsellor in a safe space, or get support from other young people.
T: 0800 1111
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Advice and support for young people, as well as parents of young people.
Text YM to 85258 (24 hours, daily)
Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (9:30am – 4pm, Monday to Friday)
Mental health charity that supports students. Runs Student Space, offering online information and helpline support delivered in partnership with The Mix.
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Free confidential telephone counselling, or 24/7 crisis support for ages 25 and under, by texting
THEMIX to 85258
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Advice and counselling network for young people. Includes a search tool for finding free local services.
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Support for older people
Social connections for older people, including tea parties, telephone support and activity groups.
Age UK →
Information and advice services for older people.
T: 0800 678 1602 (8am – 7pm, daily)
Information, friendship and support to older people. T: 0800 4 70 80 90 (24 hours, daily)
Advice, information and support for older people.
T: 0800 319 6789 (8:30am – 6:30pm, daily)
Specialist support
Supporting relatives and friends of problem drinkers. A free helpline.
T: 0800 0086 811 (UK)
01 873 2699 (Eire)
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An online community for anyone aged over 13 who identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, or is curious or unsure.
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A range of advice, support and services on disability and loneliness.
T: 0300 330 9256 (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday)
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Carers UK →
Advice and support for anyone who provides care.
T: 0808 808 7777 or 029 2081 1370 (Carers Wales)
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Scope →
Practical information and emotional support for disabled people.
T: 0808 800 3333
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Directory of services and groups for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.
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A free helpline for confidential support and information on your options. T: 0808 2000 247
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Resources and one to one support if you are grieving.
T: 0808 808 1677 (various hours, daily)
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Provides help and support with relationships, including counselling and telephone support. Contact your local centre.
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Getting connected
Connecting dog owners and local dog walkers for walks, weekends and holidays. A nationwide dog-loving community!
National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). Information about volunteering, including details of local centres.
Supports people to spend time walking outdoors, through its programmes and community. Search for walks near you.
Organised walks, including ones for mental health and UK groups run by BAME
communities.
Charity promoting local history and serving local historians. Offering talks, regular guided visits to places of interest.
Information on care farming and community growing projects, including a network of local farms.
A place for women of all generations to come together. Choose one of 6,300 WIs across the UK and virtual WIs to join.
Men's Sheds→
Enjoy practical interests, meet people and learn to make and mend. Great for intergenerational connection.
Tips and run online and in-person courses and workshops, as well as art clubs, holidays and events.
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Volunteer-run network offers opportunities from treading the boards to helping backstage.
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Lists UK volunteering opportunities, from one off events to more formal roles.
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A website that allows you to find face-to-face groups of people who share your interests or aspirations.
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Free community events across the UK where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate a timed 5K route.
Search volunteer opportunities across the UK from practical help to countryside co-ordinators and admin support.
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