Christian charity launches campaign to address loneliness 

Linking Lives UK is using Loneliness Awareness Week to highlight ideas on how to address loneliness in the lives of those around us

The week of 13-17 June 2022 has been earmarked as ‘Loneliness Awareness Week’ this year and Christian charity Linking Lives UK is using the week as an opportunity to promote ways in which we can all make a difference to address loneliness in our day to day lives.

Linking Lives UK works with churches across the UK to establish befriending schemes supporting socially isolated older people. This numbers five Baptist churches which are running befriending schemes in their communities, and a further five run as partnerships between several churches, including Baptist churches.

Currently operating in total in around 70 local communities across the country, its approach enables churches to engage with some of the most marginalised people in their community through regular home visits or phone calls. 

During Loneliness Awareness Week, Linking Lives UK will be using the theme of ‘Power of One’ to explore ways in which we can all look for ways to engage with those around us, particularly those for whom loneliness is a daily reality. This includes publishing short films demonstrating the difference that four individuals have made to someone in their area.  

The charity is also running two webinars during the week, producing resources with hints and tips.

National Director of Linking Lives UK, Jeremy Sharpe explains, ‘We know that churches and individual Christians are already doing a lot to address loneliness informally and more formally.

'We will be celebrating these activities and also suggesting ways in which we can all make a small difference to the lives of those around us whether they be neighbours, friends, colleagues or those we meet in the community.

'If we are ready, there are always opportunities to share God’s love and we will explore some of these throughout the week.’ 
 

The two webinars are taking place at 10.30am and 8.00pm on Wednesday 15 June. Further information about these and other activities taking place during the week can be found at www.linkinglives.uk/power-of-one/