Loneliness Awareness Week: What We Do To Help
Feeling lonely is something we all go through at some point in life.
It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what you do for a living, or how many people you have
around you; everyone can feel left out or invisible sometimes. It’s a completely normal part
of being human, but if it goes on for too long, it can become harmful.
What is Loneliness?
Loneliness isn’t just about being alone. It’s about how connected we feel to the people around us.
Age UK describes it as “a feeling related to whether the social contact we have is meaningful to
us and meets our emotional needs.”
In everyday life, loneliness might show up as:
- Not having someone to turn to when things go wrong
- Struggling to think of people you can reach out to when you want to socialise
- Feeling like there’s no one that you can confide in when you’re going through
something tough
If these feelings stick around for a long time without support, loneliness can start to
affect both your mental and physical health.
“Since losing my husband, life has become incredibly lonely. I don’t have any social interaction
with anyone, so the days have become very long and quiet. Compaid’s transport is a lifeline for me,
as it helps me get out of my home every week. Without it, I would be completely cut off from the world.”
– Kris, 89, passenger
Loneliness in England: What the Numbers Say
In December 2024, the UK government shared a report looking at how loneliness has affected people
across England over the past three years.
It found that around 3.1 million adults regularly feel lonely. Those most at risk include people living with
a disability or those who have been unemployed for a long time.
But the good news is that there are ways to work through it, and you don’t have to face it alone. There are
many ways to feel more connected, and our services are here to help. Whether you’re looking for support,
community, or just someone to talk to, there are paths forward.
How We’re Helping People Become More Connected
We’ve designed our services to help bridge the gap between people who may feel isolated and
the communities and resources that can support them. Our goal is to enable individuals all across
Kent to live more confidently and independently.
Digital Skills Training
Our digital skills sessions give people the tools they need to use their devices and the internet in
ways that really matter. Whether that’s learning something new, finding vital information, or simply
staying in touch with others.
For example, learning how to use WhatsApp or save photos on a phone can be life-changing for
someone who hasn’t spoken to their family in months. And even better, these skills can also help
people connect with new communities online.
Digital confidence can also open doors to employment. Since most job opportunities are now found
online, we help people learn how to use laptops, navigate programs like Microsoft Office, and
complete online applications. All of this gives them a better chance at finding work and building valuable
social connections.
“Thanks to Compaid, I’ve finally found a full-time job as a retail security officer.
“Your help with learning how to use online facilities was instrumental in finding and
securing this position, and I will be eternally grateful for your help and support.”
– Harry, 45, digital skills client
Accessible Transport
Getting out and about isn’t always easy, especially for those who are older, living with a disability,
or can’t find accommodating transport options. That’s why we offer accessible transport designed to
make travel simple, safe, and social.
Our wheelchair-adapted buses help people get where they need to go. Whether it’s a GP appointment,
the supermarket, a community centre, or just a trip into town, every journey can be the beginning of a
new outlook on life. Our passengers are picked up right from their doorstep and supported every step
of the way by our friendly drivers.
For some, chatting with the driver or fellow passengers might be the only social interaction they have
all week. But with the empathetic support of our team, many begin to feel more confident and open
to connecting with others once they arrive at their destination too.
Connect, Learn, Thrive
Loneliness still affects millions of people across England every day—but there are just as many ways to
reconnect, rebuild confidence, and feel part of a community again.
Thanks to your support, and through strong partnerships with other charities, local organisations,
and authorities, we’re helping hundreds of people across Kent reduce the loneliness they experience
and live more connected, independent lives.
Together, we can make sure that no one feels left behind!