Loneliness: Finding our connections to feel less lonely – School Pack

This pack explores what loneliness is, how it can affect our mental health, and the different ways we can connect with ourselves, others and the world around us to feel less lonely.

Finding our connections to ourselves, others, and the world around us, is fundamental to protecting our mental health and reducing feelings of loneliness.

Loneliness is when we feel we do not have the meaningful relationships we want around us. It's something we can all experience from time to time, throughout our lives, and will be different for everyone.

A YouGov poll (2019) of 13 to 19-year-olds found 69% said they felt alone “often” or “sometimes” in the last fortnight and 59% feel like they “often” or “sometimes have no one to talk to”.

It's important to support young people in recognising when they are feeling lonely, understanding their thoughts and feelings, and identifying the supportive connections they have.

Download the pack

This pack is available for all schools free of charge.

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Loneliness: finding connections to feel less lonely (3)

Loneliness research

Finding our connections to ourselves, others, and the world around us, is fundamental to protecting our mental health and reducing feelings of loneliness.

Loneliness is when we feel we do not have the meaningful relationships we want around us. It's something we can all experience from time to time, throughout our lives, and will be different for everyone.

A YouGov poll (2019) of 13 to 19-year-olds found 69% said they felt alone “often” or “sometimes” in the last fortnight, and 59% feel like they “often” or “sometimes have no one to talk to”.

Our Loneliness research

 

If you need support

Support for children and young people

The Mix – a UK-based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25. Young people can get support from the trained team, either by phone, webchat, or email

Shout 85258 – a free, confidential, 24/7 text-messaging support service.

Samaritans – a UK-based charity that provides free support anytime, from any phone. Call free on 116 123 or email [email protected] .

Support for school staff

Education Support – Education Support provides mental health and wellbeing support to teachers and education staff in schools, colleges and universities. Call free on 08000 562 561 to speak to a qualified counsellor. They will offer you immediate, confidential emotional support.

Support for parents and caregivers

Young Mind’s Parent Helpline and Webchat provides advice and support for parents and caregivers who are worried about a child or young person.

Peer Education Project (PEP) overview

Find out more about the Peer Education Project.

Peer Education Project (PEP) guidance

Get guidance and support for the Peer Education Project.

Mental health resources

Get mental health resources for young people, including more school packs.