Loneliness Week 2017

Radio 2 highlights issues around loneliness from Sunday 9 to Friday 14 July 2017.

Starting on Sunday 9th July, Clare Balding launches the season on Good Morning Sunday, as she talks to Hasina Zaman who works with the bereaved, helping them to cope with isolation and loneliness.

Continuing on Monday, join Jeremy Vine for a week-long exploration of loneliness - including topics such as loneliness of being a single parent and the loss of a partner or loved one.

Your Stories

Anneka Rice present stories of how people have overcome feelings and bouts of loneliness.

What happens when carers get lonely? We find out as part of Radio 2's Loneliness Week.

Daphne had to give up her job and studies to care for her husband.

Loneliness and family break-ups - as part of Radio 2's Loneliness Week

Jane tells us how a split in the family meant she's lost contact with her granddaughter.

Ben talks about loneliness in student life as part of Radio 2's Loneliness Week

Ben came through his loneliness and now supports other people who are lonely or isolated.

Parenting and loneliness - what is it like to be a single mum with a baby? Katie reveals as part of Radio 2's Loneliness Week

Young single mum Katie tells us how social media supports her.

What is it like to lose a parent as a teenager? Steve gives an insight as part of Radio 2's Loneliness Week

Steve - whose mum passed away when he was 15 - talks about the help he found to cope.

Friendship in the Men’s Shed; why a shed can be man's best friend - as part of Radio 2's Loneliness Week

Once retired, Walter joined the Men's Shed movement and found himself pimping his ukulele.

Till Death Us Do Part? Coping with loneliness after losing a partner - as part of Radio 2's Loneliness Week

After her husband died, Melanie became lonely and isolated - but made some positive steps.

Friendship – and contact – through sport, Krysia explains all as part of Radio 2's Loneliness Week

Krysia talks about how walking rugby helps her with the loneliness in her life.

Raising chickens to find friendship - Pat and Doreen discuss as part of Radio 2's Loneliness Week

HenPower brought Pat and Doreen together when they started raising chickens.

Good Morning Sunday with Clare Balding - 9 July 2017
Clare kicks off Radio 2's Loneliness Week with Hasina Zaman who works with the bereaved, helping them to cope with isolation and loneliness.
Jeremy Vine - 10 July 2017
Radio 2's Dr. Sarah Jarvis discussing whether it’s possible to die of a broken heart.
Jeremy Vine - 12 July 2017
Relationships expert, Barbara Want talks about the loneliness of being a single parent.
Jeremy Vine - 14 July 2017
Jeremy welcomes author and psychotherapist Philippa Perry and looks into the loneliness of being widowed.

Loneliness is a silent epidemic that seems to be growing amongst many British adults.

Take iWonder's 'Am I lonelier than I think?' quiz to find out just that.

NHS UK
The National Health Service has a plethora of information on how to help loneliness in older people.
MIND
For support and information about loneliness, contact MIND.
Young Minds
If you're a young person, we all need a bit of help sometimes. Young Minds is a good place to start.
SANE
SANE runs a national, out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers.
Samaritans
The Samaritans have someone to talk to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Gingerbread
Gingerbread provides expert advice, practical support and campaign for single parents.
Carers UK
Carers UK provide support and help for carers within the United Kingdom.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
CALM is an award-winning charity dedicated to preventing male suicide, the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK.
Campaign to End Loneliness
The Campaign to End Loneliness inspires thousands of organisations and people to do more to tackle the health threat of loneliness in older age.
Age UK
Age UK challenges the issues of loneliness in our older community.
Contact the Elderly
Contact the Elderly organises free, monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for people aged 75 or over who live alone.
UK Men's Sheds Association
Find out more about this community initiative aimed at empowering men through their sheds.
Equal Arts: HenPower
HenPower creatively hengages older people in arts activities and hen-keeping to promote health and wellbeing and reduce loneliness.
The Bristol Grandparents Support Group
Grandparents rights awareness and support across the U.K and beyond.