Loneliness

[Fwomble]

Any groups for lonely, isolated, people on here? Or anywhere? Thank you

[SpringTime]

Hi. Hope things aren't too tricky today. Are you able to offer a little more context?

[Pugwash]

Unfortunately due to lock down rules many groups who could offer support are not permitted to meet. However, groups such as AA are still meeting.

You do not give your age or situation but organisations such as Link Age Southwark do telephone befriending.

Prior to this lock down. my residents' association were thinking of trying to set up a small support group but before we could advertise this on EDF, the rule of 6 was imposed and then full lock down. We believe it is more beneficial for folk to meet face to face (socially distanced)than on line or by phone.

I have a friend who lives alone and is used to going out meeting people and having a meal, who finds himself very isolated despite twice a week (sometimes more) phone calls from us, and various family members. getting very depressed.

[legalalien]

It's a pity we don't have a sort of adult equivalent of "friendship benches" in parks where you could sit, wait for a second person to turn up, and do a lap of the park or something....

[SpringTime]

Fwomble Wrote:

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> Any groups for lonely, isolated, people on here?

> Or anywhere? Thank you

Shall PM you anyway Fwomble

[siousxiesue]

Fwomble Wrote:

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> Any groups for lonely, isolated, people on here?

> Or anywhere? Thank you

I'm suggesting MEETUP.COM again, it's all online but some supportive groups there

[Blah Blah]

Meetup.com seconded. There are London based groups on there running zoom events for small groups, nattering about everything from what's on the telly to the latest novel by so and so. So not only a way to find a local group of people who share your interests, but also to find longer lasting new friendships too.

[alice]

Covid mutual aid groups could be good. If youd like to chat with someone local.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

This organisation might be worth a look at:

https://www.frazzledcafe.org/

[JohnL]

Reported this morning that younger people feel loneliness more during the lockdown.

Is this because as you get older you have strategies to deal with being alone ?

[SpringTime]

It's also reported that the clocks going back meaning earlier and darker evenings have also made more people more lonely or at least furthered the impact of loneliness.

I'm not sure about the kids though John. What worries me is that many young people are lonelier anyway in part due to the impact of social media - which can of course rather ironically be hugely anti-social even in unrestricted times. Perhaps for those of us with a little more vintage, having spent varying terms of our formative years learning to cope with doing and having nothing, as sometimes there was no other option, it's easier for us to be happy with a simple and sparse environment. I can cook, I can read a book, I can draw. And sometimes I can just be still and think - which is often a healthy way to clear the mind and make space for original ideas.