Last Updated: May 1, 2026
Research from Age UK has highlighted that 1.4 million elderly people experience loneliness in the UK. This is expected to increase to 2 million people by 2026. Loneliness and social isolation are becoming prevalent in society for a number of reasons, such as the decline in close-knit neighbourhoods, the increase of online communication and single person households. But what is loneliness, what can cause it, and which charity can support you if you are feeling lonely? In this article, we explore these questions, and provide practical support if you or someone know is experiencing loneliness.
What is Loneliness?
Loneliness is a normal emotion that people may experience throughout their life in a response to a situation. Some people may experience chronic loneliness, which is feeling lonely for a longer period of time. Loneliness can be experienced in different ways. While it is most commonly assumed that people who live on their own experience loneliness, it can also affect people who are in relationships or living with family members.
Loneliness can be caused by a number of conditions or situations, including:
- Living alone: If you are living alone and don’t have opportunities to leave the house (you can’t drive or there isn’t a lot of public transport near you), you could be at risk of becoming socially isolated.
- Experiencing a bereavement: Losing a partner or family member can be a difficult and isolating time.
- Moving to a new area: Moving away from family members or old friends can increase feelings of loneliness.
- Poor Health: Having a serious illness or a chronic condition can reduce your mobility and limit how much you go out.
- Retirement: Retiring from work can reduce the number of people you interact with on a daily basis.
- Financial Struggles: Experiencing financial difficulties can increase feelings of loneliness as you may limit going out.
While loneliness isn’t considered to be a mental health condition, having one could increase your feeling of loneliness. Mental health conditions can leave you with low self-esteem or overwhelmed in social situations you once enjoyed. This can lead to feelings of loneliness.
About Marmalade Trust
Marmalade Trust is a charity on a mission to combat loneliness by getting everyone to talk openly. They understand the impact loneliness can have on a person. We interviewed Ron Moody, the interim CEO of Marmalade Trust, to learn how they support people experiencing loneliness.
Could you provide an overview of the charity’s background and the reasons behind its development?
Back in 2013, as a health professional and volunteer, Amy Perrin knew how tough loneliness and social isolation can be. Through volunteering, Amy met 3 older people spending Christmas Day alone. Seeing the shortage of Christmas events in Bristol, she took them out herself. Amy was approached by GPs and even a local bank clerk asking if she could include more people, and soon 3 became 18! After Christmas, with a doormat piled high with thank you cards, Amy realised the importance of what had been achieved and Marmalade Trust was born.
How would you describe your organisation’s ethos
To create a society where we recognise that loneliness exists and support each other to find new social connections. As pioneers in loneliness, Marmalade’s approach is approachable, warm, practical and inclusive. With years of expertise and experience working in the field of loneliness, we focus on the people first and always honour the positive value of the human experience. At Marmalade Trust we like to think of ourselves as a family, a unique community-based charity with a global reach!
Who does your charity support?
We cross all age groups and social demographics. Our projects delivering practical help attract an older aged group. Loneliness significantly impacts older individuals, particularly affecting their physical health and overall wellbeing. Our campaigning is universal. Our education projects are focused on schools and universities and our training is aimed at organisations and their workforce.
How could a person reach out to you for support?
In three ways:
- For advice and information, our website has an abundance of help www.marmaladetrust.org
- For practical support, we can be reached by email, tel, social media or in person.
- For training, collaborations, partnerships or sponsorship via email at [email protected]
How can a person help Marmalade Trust combat loneliness?
There are various ways a person can support Marmalade Trust and the work we do, including:
- Donations (for example on our Just Giving page or sending us a cheque
- Legacies, by leaving a gift in a will or asking that donations are made instead of flowers
- Fundraise for us
- Get involved in our Loneliness Awareness Week campaign (each June)
- Volunteer for us
- Spread the work about us on the social media networks
- Donate goods/gifts that we can use in raffles/hampers etc
Conclusion
Acknowledging your feelings of loneliness can be a daunting first step toward finding support. However, recognising and naming these emotions is an important part of understanding your own needs and taking active steps toward a healthier, more connected life. Marmalade Trust’s carefully designed three-step approach breaks down this journey into simple, achievable steps, empowering you to gradually embrace support networks and community resources. Each step in the approach helps to destigmatise loneliness, making it easier to take action and build confidence in seeking social connections. Discover more about how this approach can support you on your journey toward connection here.
