13/06/2026
15th to 21st June is Loneliness Awareness Week. Started by the Marmalade Trust is Bristol in 2013, this annual event seeks to bring awareness and recognition to those affected by loneliness with the intention that in some way it can be addressed and alleviated. The theme for 2026 is Giving Loneliness a Voice.
Did you know that the World Health Organisation officially declared loneliness a world health concern on 2025? Research shows it is as bad for our health as smoking 15 ci******es a day.
As well as impacting our physical health, loneliness is recognised as a risk factor for depression, anxiety and emotional distress. The NHS estimates that severe loneliness costs the UK £9,900 per person per year. Lost productivity and poor health caused by loneliness are estimated to cost UK employers up to £2.5bn annually. So you can see that this is a huge problem and we should all do what we can to reduce this is whatever way we can. (Statistics supplied by the Marmalade Trust)
At Merryoaks Community Hall we welcome those who would like to get out of the house and meet with their neighbours in a safe environment. As well as various weekly and monthly events and classes organised by external providers, we hold monthly coffee mornings, companionship café and Tea, Cake and Chat, where you can just turn up and enjoy a hot drink with other participants.
The next Tea, Cake and Chat is this coming Thursday, 18th June at 3pm. If you would like to call along you would be most welcome. If you have a neighbour, relation or friend that you think would enjoy this session please let them know that they would be most welcome.
If you can’t make this Thursday, please contact us and let us know you are out there. We are organising other events you might want to get involved in, either as a participant or a volunteer. Just try it. Not everything works for everyone but until you try you don’t know.
