Loneliness

A significant impact on wellbeing can be people feeling lonely. 

What is loneliness?

Loneliness can affect anyone, at any age. It’s more than just being alone - it’s the feeling of being disconnected or not having the relationships you want. Loneliness can impact mental health, and poor mental health can make loneliness worse. This can create a cycle that’s hard to break.

Why it matters

Loneliness isn’t just about feelings, it can affect your health. Research shows that loneliness can increase the risk of depression, dementia, heart disease and even early death. In fact, its impact can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 

The local picture

In Kensington and Chelsea: 

• 7 per cent of residents feel isolated or “left out” some or all of the time
• 10 per cent feel a lack of companionship often or always
• around one in three people aged 65+ live alone
• many residents face challenges like disability, discrimination, or rising living costs - all of which can increase loneliness

What you can do

Small actions make a big difference: 

• say hello to a neighbour or call a friend or family member
• join an activity or event, like free wellbeing walks or yoga
• find volunteering opportunities in the area
• look out for support in the community on our Wellbeing Hub
• are you a parent looking for activities to do with your child? Visit our Family Information Hub or our wellbeing support for families page
• are you pregnant and looking for local information and activities? Visit our Family Information Hub (pre-birth to 5) 
• are you a teenager? Visit our We Got U page for mental health support, and Our City for events and meet ups

Loneliness training

Interested in learning more, spotting the signs of loneliness and how to help others?
We’ve teamed up with Mind to offer anyone who lives, works or studies in Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster free training on loneliness. 

Find out more and sign up via eventbrite

Loneliness hot spots in Kensington and Chelsea

We’ve teamed up with Imperial College London on the INTERACT Study, exploring loneliness and social connection across Kensington and Chelsea. This short, anonymous survey asks how you experience belonging and community - and your input will help shape local services

Join our INTERACT study

Take the first step today

One small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day - including yours. 

Say hello. Make a difference. Find connection.