Residents are being encouraged to ‘lift someone out of loneliness’ by reaching out to others who may be feeling lonely.

Loneliness can have a huge impact on an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing, but there are lots of simple actions people can take to help lift themselves, or others, out of loneliness.

These include:

  • talking to friends and family; send a text or give them a call to see how they are doing, or perhaps suggest catching up over a cup of tea or coffee
  • joining a group with a shared interest to make connections 
  • doing more things you enjoy can stop you from focusing on feelings of loneliness
  • reaching out to others you know who might be feeling lonely and try to connect with them

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “As we go through life and things change, we may all experience being lonely or feeling isolated.  

“Common reasons for experiencing loneliness include being in an unfamiliar situation such as a new workplace or neighbourhood, or feeling disconnected from others or that you have nothing in common with them. 

“It is important that we can talk about feeling lonely and think of how we can overcome this. By taking one of the actions listed above, you could lift someone out of loneliness, and it might help you feel less lonely too."

Help and support is also available locally from:

  • Let’s Talk Service (Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust), available for anyone experiencing loneliness or wanting to take part in activities to meet new people. Email bchft.letstalk@nhs.net or call 07909 213184.
  • Wolverhampton Community Support Service, offering information and advice to people aged 18 or over to improve their independence and wellbeing and connect them with groups and activities in their local area. Email community.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk or phone 01902 553445.

Anyone with concerns about their mental health and wellbeing should contact the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 24/7 helpline on 0800 008 6516 or text 07860 025281.

Every Mind Matters’ Lift Someone Out of Loneliness campaign seeks to encourage people to talk more openly with each other about feeling lonely and realise that there are easy steps people can take to help each other during times of loneliness.
 
Find more advice and support at Better Health - every mind matters.