Loneliness and isolation
Loneliness and isolation can affect any one of any age, young or old, which can have a serious impact on their health and wellbeing.
People become socially isolated for a variety of reasons, but whatever the cause, it's easy to be left feeling lonely and vulnerable. There are however ways to overcome loneliness.
Here are some practical tips to help yourself or others who may be lonely, even if you find it hard to make friends or if you live alone and have difficulties getting out and about.
Why not use your skills and experience to give something back to the community by volunteering, even if it's only for a few hours a week? You might want to consider developing new skills or learning a new hobby by enrolling on a local course. Our learning, work and volunteering section has a range of useful information and advice for all ages.
Have a look at what’s available in your local community, as there may well be a group or club you'd be interested in joining. Alternatively, perhaps you'd rather get out and about and visit different places of interest across Herefordshire. For ideas and inspiration, take a look at our what's on calendar.
You could even take a look at our Talk Community hubs - they are a great place to meet new people, form new connections and get some up to date information to support your health and wellbeing!
Learning to use a computer can open up a world of opportunity for you, from keeping in touch with family and friends who live elsewhere to meeting new friends or finding things to do.
If you're not very confident using a computer or your skills are a little basic or rusty, Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire offer a range of different training courses across Herefordshire.
If you can get online, the Learn My Way website offers free online courses for beginners, learning games and advice on using computers, which can help develop your digital skills.
If you're confident using digital devices, get online and connect through facilitated forum communities for peer to peer support, through Kooth if you're 11-19 years old.
Don't worry if you haven't got access to a computer at home, as Herefordshire libraries offer free computer and internet access at most of their sites.
Even if you feel like it now, you are not alone. There's help available from there are a number of different organisations across the country, which offer information, advice and support, with some offering befriending services.