Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme of this year's campaign was 'tackling loneliness'. In the wake of the pandemic, many more people have been struggling with feelings of isolation, and according to research, Public Health England state that the age group at most risk of loneliness are 18-24 year-olds, but they are least likely to reach out for help.
At asphaleia, we put a focus on loneliness during the week in our work with young people and also HR shared information to support staff. Students at our learning centre in Worthing took part in a workshop where they discussed loneliness, what it is, how to help yourself when you feel lonely, and also how to support others.
Staff and students shared their experiences of loneliness and steps they have taken to overcome it, which we shared on social media to add to the collective message that loneliness is common and nothing to be ashamed of. We also supported the Public Health England campaign to 'lift someone out of loneliness' by sharing their campaign assets on social media.
If you want to read some specific tips from our pastoral and mental health lead about tackling loneliness, check out this post.