“Millions of us experience loneliness from time to time. We know that some people are at higher risk of experiencing loneliness and the evidence shows the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems.” - Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation

Mental Health Foundation reported that “We know that working can and should be good for our mental health – people who are employed are less likely to report feeling lonely often or always, compared to those who are unemployed or economically inactive.” They found that during successive lockdowns, loneliness was almost three times that of pre pandemic levels!

Workplace loneliness refers to feeling disengaged and disconnected from work and peers. This lack of connection with peers can lead to feeling detached from an organisation and an increased risk of depression, anxiety or stress. The cost of loneliness to UK employers has been estimated to be £2.5billion every year, primarily due to increased staff turnover as well as lower wellbeing and productivity and ill health and associated sickness absence.

Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:

“We hope this year’s theme of loneliness will strike a chord with many of us who felt lonely and struggled throughout the Covid pandemic.” 

“Millions of us experience loneliness from time to time. We know that some people are at higher risk of experiencing loneliness and the evidence shows the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems.”

“Loneliness deserves more attention and we’re calling on everyone who has struggled as a result of being lonely to share their experiences. We must work together - as individuals, as a society and through government policy - to reduce loneliness and prevent mental health problems by investing in welcoming, social spaces and new community initiatives.”
 
Some of the ways people can participate in Mental Health Awareness Week:

●      During Mental Health Awareness Week use the hashtag  #IveBeenThere to share experiences of loneliness to support others and give the campaign momentum.

●      Sign up to walk, run or job as part of our 80 Miles in May challenge and share your photos using #80MilesinMay and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

For immediate support:

●      Reach out to a love one, a teacher, your manager

●      Mind are an organisation we support as one of our chosen charities. You can call the information line about mental health problems and where to get help - 0300 123 3393

●      Samaritans also offer emotional support 24 hours a day - in full confidence - 116 123

For longer term support, at The Happiness Club, one of our lovely affiliate partners, you can tap into daily support and advice to help you look after your mental health and emotional wellbeing.

As an individual member you receive:

●      Short daily strategies to use and implement

●      Monthly webinars

●      Monthly meditations

●      Access to the back catalogue of webinars, meditations and audios etc

●      24/7 access to a qualified therapist for ad hoc, in the moment support and advice whenever you need it

All delivered via our very own app.

If you are a manager or owner of a business and would like to help your staff, at The Happiness Club have a 12 month Colleague Resilience Programme to tap into which sets out to promote good mental health; provide daily support; and build strong emotional resilience through:

●      regular webinars that cover a wide range of potential issues, such as anxiety, confidence, procrastination and stress,

●      access to monthly, proactive meditation recordings,

●      daily strategies for mental well-being, delivered via our app and online support,

All of this for £12 per month per employee and add 24/7 access to a qualified counsellor/therapist for £30 per month per employee