If you’ve alighted on this page because you’re living alone during lockdown, firstly, how are you? We hope you’re doing okay, and if you ever need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to scroll down to the very bottom of our home page and click Say Hello.
Lockdown in the UK has led to a loneliness epidemic, with the BBC reporting in November 2020 that 8% of the adult population (that’s a whopping 4.2 million) are ‘’always or often lonely’’. Four months of strict measures later, and we can only imagine how that number has increased.
If you feel like you’re lacking social contact, camaraderie and companionship, then you don’t have to do this thing alone. There are support groups, professionals, community organisations and more, all ready to lend a helping hand and a friendly ear to those feeling isolated. If you’re living alone in lockdown, then here are 5 places to find friendship and support online.
VIRTUAL CLUBS & CLASSES
Book clubs, pottery classes, poetry readings and 5-a-side football…in the pre-pandemic world we were spoilt for choice regarding the various clubs and classes we could join in order to nurture a niche passion. Of course, that was only half of it; the primary reason for attending these various get togethers was to meet new people and, hopefully, make new friends.
Fortunately, like so much of the rest of the world, these various clubs and classes have moved online, and still represent a great way to interact with strangers and form meaningful connections.
Perhaps the most popular (and populated) are online group exercise classes; DigMe is widely used across the UK, and offers a 21 days for free and a trial community class to help get going. Alternatively, you could give their online yoga classes a go; they have four different instructors to choose from and that invaluable access to interaction with both the instructor and the group.
Or, if you feel more comfortable in chorus, there are a whole host of fantastic online choirs you could join to harness that sense of community you’re missing. Some of the best include:
- The Sofa Singers, who gather every week at 7:30pm on a Tuesday and 11am on a Friday.
- Sing Out Strong, who place a strong focus on mental health and well being.
- Or for something a little, shall we say, stronger, it has to be Rock Choir? Sign of the Horns at the ready!
There are also online book clubs offering community, support and discussion active across the UK right now. Check out these useful round-up of 9 of the best to join now .
COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS
Obviously, you don’t need to be engaged in an activity to reach out for support. There are loads of community based support groups and forums currently doing good work online, connecting people and offering peer-to-peer support to those who need it.
It’s been reported in recent years that the elderly, in particular, are suffering from a loneliness epidemic, and COVID has only exacerbated this. Reengage is a charity which facilitates contact between seniors who may be suffering from loneliness; right now, their ‘call companions’ platform is doing great work. On the other end of the phone, check out Age UK’s campaign, where you can become an Age UK digital buddy and provide companionship to those in need.
Similarly, Befriending Networks exist across the country, connecting those who are feeling isolated and alone with kind-hearted folk who are always up for a chat. You can find a Befriender here.
Mind, the UK’s largest mental health charity, also boasts a large, diverse and support online community, Side by Side, where you can find peer-to-peer support in the form of forums, discussion groups and support via private, one-to-one messaging with like minded, supportive people. The forum is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is moderated everyday between 8:30am and midnight.
REACH OUT TO A PROFESSIONAL
This has been an incredibly tough time for everyone, but particularly for those living alone, who don’t have someone to turn to regularly. If you feel like you need someone to talk to in a more professional capacity, with all the treatment recommendations and expertise that entails, then you can find that help available online, too.
Though speaking to a professional won’t necessarily offer you the companionship you’re seeking, if you’re in need of support and advice, it can really help. Check out the UK’s Counselling Directory to find a therapist today.
Group therapy is another option available, and may help those suffering from low self-esteem or lack of confidence to open up in a supportive, confidential setting. Facilitated by a professional and populated by like-minded people, many have found such therapy to be profoundly effective in finding support and advice in novel places. If you’re keen to learn more about whether group therapy is right for you, then click here.
APPS
Just as the pairing of smartphones and location services made finding a romantic partner as easy as a few swipes and a corny chat up line, so too can you now find friends – actual friends – easily using apps. Bumble BFF is a way of expanding your social circle using the same interface as a dating app would; there’s a photo, a brief bio, and the chance to match with likeminded people, have a chat, and establish a connection.
Other similar apps which help match lonely folk seeking platonic fun include Huggle, Whistle and Patook. Though these friendship-pairing apps were available prior to lockdown, the idea has truly come into its own since. Lovely stuff!
SOCIAL MEDIA
Using social media to make connections seems almost quaint after all the forward-thinking, expansive ideas we’ve already suggested. But never has there been a better time to rekindle old relationships which have fallen victim to packed schedules and physical distances. Why not call that friend you haven’t spoken to in years? More often than not, you’ll find the spark is still there, and it’ll feel like you’ve made a whole new buddy!
Alternatively, you could initiate a Zoom call or phone conversation with an acquaintance you’ve previously only shared memes with on Twitter or the odd comment on Instagram, or reach out to a colleague you’ve always shared friendly office banter with, and see if they fancy making friends? Build on fleeting friendships and make them something more permanent, because let’s face it, we’re all feeling a little lonely right now.
And if you’re looking for more ways to reach out and make a connection, check out these 4 ways to stay connected and keep a sense of community during lockdown.
*This article is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment given by a qualified health professional. Instead, this article only provides information, not advice. For any medical enquiries, always consult your GP first*