For those living alone sometimes loneliness and isolation can become unbearable and have an impact on their mental and physical health.
Information on loneliness and isolation along with links to organisations and groups who can provide support can all be found on this page:
Age Space
Hampshire has recognised the ageing population and increasing cases of dementia, and the need to increase service provision to assist those living with dementia and their carers. See NHS Services for people with Dementia and Local Charities supporting people with Dementia for more information about the services and support available.
Age UK
For the elderly in particular, loneliness can have a big impact on their lives but there is an array of support available from Age UK, including their befriending service.
Butterflies Bereavement Support
Butterflies Bereavement Support is a bereavement counselling and support charity serving Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The charity supports anyone who has suffered a bereavement and details can be found on the Butterflies Bereavement Support website.
Covid-19 and Loneliness and Social Isolation
If you are self-isolating and need some extra help and support you can call the Hampshire County Council Coronavirus Helpline: 0333 370 4000.
Cruse
Cruse offers telephone, email and website support for people of all ages who have been bereaved. They have a Freephone national helpline 0808 808 1677 and local services, and a website (hopeagain.org.uk) specifically for children and young people. Visit the Cruse website for more information.
Dementia Friends
A Dementia Friends Champion is a volunteer who encourages others to make a positive difference to people living with dementia in their community. They do this by giving them information about the personal impact of dementia, and what they can do to help. Visit the Dementia Friends website.
Good Neighbours Network
Good Neighbours Network is a collection of over 120 local groups run by local people for local people all offering a helping hand to others in their community. Many offer much needed transport to medical appointments or a hand with the shopping. See a list of groups in Hampshire on the Good Neighbours website.
Hampshire County Council
The council runs the Connect toSupport website which includes advice, information and details of community groups which can offer support to combat loneliness.
Mind
Mind is a charity that provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Mind has practical tips to help you manage feelings of loneliness, and information about other places you can go for support. Visit the Mind website.
Silverline
The Silver Line offers older people support with loneliness including a 24-hour telephone helpline which is available 365 days a year on 0800 4 70 80 90 and a befriending service to combat loneliness. Visit the Silver Line website.
The Loss Foundation
The Loss Foundation provides bereavement support following the death of a loved one to cancer, whether that be your spouse, family member, friend or colleague. They provide a variety of support events to help you at any point following your loss, create the opportunities for you to meet others who have experienced something similar. They also educate and empower others to support those who are grieving via our workshops and training.
The Samaritans
The Samaritans provide a free listening service, with no judgement, no pressure, and will help you work through what’s on your mind. Go to the Samaritans website to find out more about how they can help. You can call them free on 116 123.
The Way Foundation (Widowed And Young)
The Way Foundation is the only national charity in the UK for men and women aged 50 or under who have lost their partner. Way offer a peer-to-peer support network for anyone who’s lost a partner before their 51st birthday – married or not, with or without children, whatever their sexual orientation. Visit the Way Foundation website to find out more.
Wavelength
Wavelength gives media technology to lonely people living in poverty. For people who are lonely, a simple radio or television can feel like a lifeline. Visit the Wavelength website to find out how you can apply for help.