By KLTV Newsdesk –

Experts urge communities to recognise the signs and take action to tackle loneliness

As Loneliness Awareness Week runs from 15–21 June 2026, a leading safeguarding training provider is encouraging people to start conversations about loneliness and take practical steps to support older members of their communities.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of loneliness, challenge stigma and inspire people to connect with others.

According to safeguarding training company High Speed Training, older people are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, making awareness and intervention more important than ever.

The hidden impact of loneliness

Experts stress that loneliness is a deeply personal experience and can affect anyone, regardless of how socially connected they may appear.

While some people may be isolated without feeling lonely, others can experience loneliness despite having regular contact with friends, family or colleagues. As a result, recognising the signs of loneliness in ourselves and others is crucial.

Dr. Richard Anderson, Learning Experience Director at High Speed Training, said: “It is important for us to spark conversations around loneliness awareness, especially in older people, as research shows us that those experiencing loneliness are likely to have an increased risk of inactivity, smoking or risk-taking behaviours, coronary heart disease or stroke, depression, stress and low self-esteem, sleeping problems, and even cognitive decline and Alzheimers.

“Older people can be more prone to social isolation leading to loneliness than younger people, for a variety of reasons.”

Research highlighted by the Campaign to End Loneliness suggests that half a million older people go at least five or six days each week without seeing or speaking to anyone. The charity also reports that 59 per cent of people aged 85 and over, and 38 per cent of those aged between 75 and 84, live alone.

Recognising the signs of loneliness

Despite growing awareness campaigns in recent years, experts say many people still feel uncomfortable admitting they are lonely.

As a result, family members, friends and neighbours are being encouraged to look out for signs that an older person may be struggling with social isolation.

Potential warning signs include:

• Neglecting personal care and hygiene.
• Not eating properly.
• Changes to daily routines, such as staying in bed later than usual.
• Expressing low self-esteem.
• Appearing withdrawn or not behaving as they normally would.

Ten simple ways to help combat loneliness

High Speed Training has shared ten practical ways people can support older individuals who may be experiencing loneliness.

Suggestions include making time for regular conversations, helping with errands, encouraging digital inclusion, sharing information about local community groups and activities, offering lifts to appointments or events, and inviting people to join meals or social gatherings.

The organisation also highlights the value of volunteering, maintaining commitments to visit or call, and ensuring older people have access to important contact details and support networks.

Above all, experts emphasise the importance of valuing older people’s friendship, companionship and contribution to society, rather than viewing support through the lens of stereotypes or assumptions about ageing.

Breaking the stigma around loneliness

Dr Anderson said tackling loneliness begins with open and honest conversations.

He concluded: “Loneliness is something that anyone can experience. By openly talking about it and reducing the stigma, we can begin to combat some of its causes and effects.

“Older people are more likely to experience loneliness, due to various circumstances, but we can all play a part in empowering and supporting older people to combat loneliness.”

Building stronger communities

With loneliness continuing to affect millions of people across the UK, campaigners hope Loneliness Awareness Week will encourage greater understanding of the issue and inspire communities to take simple actions that can make a meaningful difference.

Whether through a phone call, a friendly chat, a shared meal or helping someone access local activities, organisers say small acts of connection can have a lasting impact on a person’s wellbeing and sense of belonging.