Connected by Cause: Reflections on Loneliness Awareness Week & Beyond

By Aba Amihyia, Community Manager at The Tackling Loneliness Hub and Communications & Growth Strategist at Neighbourly Lab.

Loneliness Awareness Week

At the Tackling Loneliness Hub and Neighbourly Lab, we often talk about the importance of social connection – not just for the communities we serve, but for the people doing the work too. During Loneliness Awareness Week 2025 (LAW), and in the weeks that followed, that sentiment came through loud and clear! From the three events we hosted for LAW to the conversations at events I attended afterwards where themes of community, creativity, identity, and innovation were front and centre, I’ve seen a growing sense of shared purpose – people coming together more to exchange ideas, elevate underrepresented voices, and build stronger networks of support. During LAW, we brought together housing providers, local authorities, researchers, and community leaders to explore what’s working on the ground — and what more can be done. We began with London Local Authorities & Connected Communities, an in-person event in collaboration with Hub Ambassador Helayna Jenkins, where we heard from, Agnes Gautier, Dr James Bevan, Tara Fisher, David Gradon, Dr. Helen MacIntyre and Natasha Ereira-Guyer about how councils are embedding social connection into local strategies, with Prof. Manuela Barreto adding academic perspectives on marginalised groups and the Loneliness Equality evidence review. It was a strong start to the week and a reminder that local government is uniquely placed to lead on creating more connected communities.

Dr James Bevan, Tara Reid, Dr Helen MacIntyre, Harry Hobson, David Gradon, Prof. Manuela Barreto, Natasha Ereira-Guyer, Aba Amihyia, Helayna Jenkins and Agnes Gautier.

Our second event (online), Evaluating Tackling Loneliness Interventions, with Neighbourly Lab’s Dr. Helen MacIntyre and Ingrid Abreu Scherer, explored the opportunities and challenges around measuring impact in this complex space. From practical frameworks to thought-provoking questions, the session highlighted the importance of building evidence without losing sight of people’s lived experience. Throughout the week, we were also pleased to be able to spotlight a blog from the Minister for Loneliness, Stephanie Peacock, reaffirming national commitment to this agenda, and an article from Hub Ambassador Sarah Mitton in Inside Housing Management, making the case for a housing-led approach to tackling loneliness, how to spot the signs and support residents in need.

Amy Perrin OBE from Marmalade Trust, the organisers of Loneliness Awareness Week and Stephanie Peacock, Minister for loneliness and social connection.

We closed Loneliness Awareness Week with our ‘Housing Associations & Connected Communities’ event at the Neighbourly Lab HQ, co-hosted with hub advisor Sarah Mitton (SNG), a vibrant, in-person event with Maff Potts from ‘Camerardos’ ‘Living Room’ as our backdrop!

L-R: Emma Barlow (DCMS) Sarah Mitton (SNG) Harry Hobson & Me (Neighbourly Lab) & Ceri Gibbins (Clarion).

Speakers included Ceri Gibbins, Adam Hall, Suzanne Moore (Clarion Housing Group), Amy Perrin OBE (Marmalade Trust), Andrew Cooper (SNG), Ben Firth (Centre for Young Lives), Hannah Kayi-Mason (In Common), Alana Warner (Intergenerational England), Carly Dickson (ARUP), Siobhan Cunningham (Foyer Federation) and Josh Wreford (Neya) who showcased the vital role housing providers & those connected to housing can play in tackling loneliness and building social connection.

Beyond The Hub

At SXSW London, it was so exciting to see themes of connection and community in the spotlight and similar conversations play out, exploring how social connection can be made more meaningful and accessible. From immersive storytelling and AI companions to community-led fitness apps, innovation is helping reshape how people connect. I saw how digital tools are making cultural experiences more accessible, how assistive technology is supporting both ageing populations and people with dyslexia, and how volunteering continues to be a vital source of belonging, particularly among younger generations. It’s also encouraging to see major digital platforms recognising their role in building social connection. Campaigns like Hinge’s “One More Hour” initiative shows how platforms can contribute to addressing loneliness in a meaningful way. When I reflect on the incredible individuals and organisations I’ve met recently, two things stand out:

1. Connection can be built in many forms but it’s most powerful when it’s designed with inclusion, purpose, and community at its heart. Across sectors, from housing to comedy, public policy to immersive tech, it’s clear that connection & inclusion is something many of us are working toward, in different but complementary ways.

2. None of us are tackling loneliness alone. Whilst loneliness is a local, personal experience, the work to address it is collective. Whether you’re piloting local initiatives, commissioning services, or co-producing with communities, the more we continue to work together, the stronger and more connected our communities will become.

I hope this spirit of collaboration continues beyond awareness campaigns — and becomes the foundation for how we all work together, all year-round.