Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation made these comments when loneliness was announced as the theme for the awareness week.
“Loneliness is affecting more and more of us in the UK and has had a huge impact on our physical and mental health during the pandemic, … Our connection to other people and our community is fundamental to protecting our mental health so we must find better ways of tackling the epidemic of loneliness. We can all play a part in this.”
Who has ever felt lonely?
Loneliness for certain was brought to the attention of many of us once the UK went into national lockdown. However, loneliness for many has always been there. According to the Mental Health Foundation 1 in 20 people in the UK experience loneliness. But the question I am asking myself is, how many times have I asked someone if they feel lonely?
On the first day of Mental Health Awareness week, Access Learning asked LinkedIn ‘Have you ever experienced feelings of loneliness?’, at the time of writing this blog 81% replied yes. As a society we are clearly becoming more comfortable with asking how someone is feeling. However, when was the last time you asked someone if they felt lonely?
What can organisations do to help with loneliness?
Research conducted by Barnett Waddingham found that 41% of employers said mental health is the biggest HR challenge this year for UK businesses. Loneliness and mental health are intertwined, and businesses will need to consider how their operating models improve the wellbeing of their employees. We can see that more and more businesses are moving to be flexible hybrid workplace; more than two out of five companies are likely to retain flexible working and 35% are looking at designated times free from virtual meetings. However, as they do this, they need to understand how their decisions can impact the mental health of their employees.
Many of us might agree we are benefiting from being able to work from home permanently or have hybrid working. Yet it will take time for us to put in place measures that will combat the impact of isolation and loneliness that has been created by the lockdown. It will be prudent that as employers develop their new operating models, they also develop their mental health initiatives in tandem. Develop these strategies at the same time and give them the same level of focus. Through giving mental health and wellbeing initiatives at work the same level of focus and investment as organisations would their operating model strategies, they will be able to identify the best ways of supporting their employees. Through this focus colleagues will be able to ask their co-workers ‘Are you feeling lonely?’, and only through asking this question more can we truly start to help one another.
What support is out there for those feeling lonely?
If anyone reading this blog is feeling lonely, I would encourage you to tell someone. Speak out to a colleague, manager, friend, or family member and tell them. They may not realise how you’ve been feeling as it can become easy for us all to mask ourselves. There are also numerous support agencies which can also support anyone who is experiencing feelings of loneliness.
Please reach out to:
The Mix
• The Mix offers free confidential help for under-25s
• Call The Mix free on 0808 808 4494
• Text “THEMIX” to 85258
• Visit www.themix.org.uk for a free online chat service.
Silverline
• A free 24-hour confidential telephone helpline offering information, friendship, and advice for people over 55
• Call Silverline on 0800 4 70 80 90.
• https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
Ataloss and The Good Grief
• If you have been bereaved and need support, Ataloss and The Good Grief Trust offer helplines and guidance to help.
• www.ataloss.org
• www.thegoodgrieftrust.org
The Marmalade Trust
• The Marmalade Trust is dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness and helping people make new friendships.
• www.themarmaladetrust.org
The Samaritans
• Call at any time, day, or night for free
• Call 116 123
• https://www.samaritans.org/