Loneliness is increasingly recognised as a pressing social issue.
While often seen as a private matter, evidence shows that stigma and prejudice play a central role in shaping who feels lonely and why. People who are marginalised – for example older adults experiencing ageism, migrants facing xenophobia, or individuals living with mental health difficulties – are not only more likely to experience loneliness but often face a “double stigma”: loneliness itself is seen as something shameful, making it harder to talk about or seek support.
The consequences are serious. Stigma can intensify feelings of exclusion, create barriers to services, and leave people withdrawing from community life.
In July, scientific and practical experts came together at a loneliness symposium in Hanover, Germany, to discuss how stigma and prejudice reinforce loneliness and what can be done in response.
Dr. Alma-Sophia Merscher (The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich) and Lea Merkel will share their insights and take one example to illustrate how prejudice can deepen isolation- highlighting what the evidence says, explore practical challenges in addressing it, and raise open questions about how to move forward.
Designed to invite your perspectives, questions, and experiences, join us as we explore together how to tackle the intersection of prejudice, stigma, and loneliness.
If you have any questions or want to continue the conversation, join our ‘Stigma & Prejuudice’ group or reach out via email community.manager@neighbourlylab.com
