Faces of Loneliness: How to avoid being on your own

  • Central

Feeling lonely can sometimes be a fleeting feeling, or it can stick with you for years.

ITV News Central has put together some information and advice from Age UK and Campaign to End Loneliness on what to do if you or someone you know is experiencing loneliness.

You may feel lonely for a number of reasons:

  • You have lost a loved one

  • Moved away from family and friends

  • Lost the social contact you used to get from work

  • Have health problems that make it difficult for you to get out and about

Think about what you can do to help yourself:

  • Think about yourself: Have a think about what you enjoy and do more of it, like seeing friends or family.

  • Look after yourself: You can take small steps to improve your health by eating well, taking gentle exercise and keeping active so you feel more relaxed in your own company.

  • Share your skills and time with others: Get involved with local organisations, volunteer or help out with community events in your neighbourhood.

Stuart visits Ron once a week as part of the 'Forces Friends' scheme Credit: ITV News Central

Take advantage of local services that tackle loneliness:

  • If you are looking for an activity on Christmas Day, you can visit Community Christmas to see if anything is happening in your area

  • Find local advice and support in your area by visiting Age UK and typing in your postcode or you can call: 0800 678 1174

  • The Royal British Legion has joined up with Age UK to provide its Forces Friends service for lonely veterans. The RBL has also linked up with Dementia UK to support carers with its Admiral Nurse service: 0808 802 8080

  • Gingerbread gives advice and support for single parents

  • The Silver Line helpline for the elderly is a 24 hour freephone number: 0800 470 8090

  • The Mix is a helpline for under 25s: 0808 808 4994

  • Contact the Elderly tackles loneliness and social isolation among older people: 0800 716 543

  • MIND is there to help with those experiencing mental health problems: 0300 123 3393

  • Search for befriending services in the Midlands using the UK Befriending Directory

  • Carers UK has an advice line and online forum for carers

Stuart visits Ron once a week as part of the 'Forces Friends' scheme Credit: ITV News Central

Try and make new connections:

  • You could join a friendship group. It is a way of building new friendships and meeting like-minded people

  • Contact the elderly hold monthly afternoon tea parties for people age over 75 who are one their own and do not have much chance to socialise

  • If you are missing the social interaction you used to get through work, you could consider volunteering or go to classes at The University of the Third Age