Feeling lonely is something that all of us can experience at any point in our lives, it can make us feel isolated and have a negative impact on our wellbeing.
The pandemic has been an unsettling time for everyone, and it’s important to remember that many people may still feel disconnected, and will feel comfortable with different things, even when out of restrictions.
Loneliness – time for change
We need to change the idea that there is a stigma associated with loneliness, and encourage people to talk more openly with each other about feeling lonely and realise that there are easy steps we can all take to help each other during times of loneliness.
We can’t compare ourselves to how others may be feeling or acting, and we should all take time to go at our own pace. Sometimes it can feel easier to help someone else who may be feeling lonely. There are lots of simple actions that you can do to help, including:
- Checking in with a family member, friend or neighbour by sending a text or giving them a call to see how they are doing.
- Reaching out to someone to suggest catching up over a tea or coffee
- Inviting someone to join you in getting some fresh air and going for a walk.
In taking one of these actions, you could lift someone out of loneliness, and it might help you feel less lonely too.
You can find more advice and support about loneliness by visiting the Every Mind Matters Loneliness page
Local organisations and activities
There are a range of different organisations across Merton that provide support and activities for people of all ages:
Merton Community Hub
The Merton Community Hub exists to help people who need help when self isolating, those who may be in financial difficulty, those who may need help to keep active, people whose mental health may have been affected by COVID-19 and people who may feel lonely or isolated. The hub is a joint venture between Wimbledon Guild, Merton Connected, Age UK Merton and Merton Council.
Merton Connected
Merton Connected provide lots of important services to the local community in Merton. These services include providing volunteer opportunities in Merton, offering a social prescribing service to local people, running the home visit library team, provide a local befriending service and support with those with COVID-19 through the Merton Community Hub. Find out more about the work of Merton Connected
Wimbledon Guild
Wimbledon Guild provide services to help people connect with others, enable older people to keep active, provide a Talking Therapies service and they can also help people going through difficulties to get back on their feet. Learn more about Wimbledon Guild
Age UK Merton
Age UK Merton have a befriending service, provide free, confidential and independent advice to people aged 60+ and they also have a wide range of regular activities. See all of the ways that Age UK Merton provide support to older people across Merton.
Commonside Community Development Trust
Based at the New Horizons Centre in Mitcham, the Commonside Community Development Trust provides a range of activities for the local community.
Contact Us
Alternatively, if you would like to talk to one of our health advisors about connecting more with others call us on 020 8973 3545, e-mail us at oneyou.merton@nhs.net or register your interest to ‘improve mental wellbeing’ on our Register Now page
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