10 June 2021

Loneliness Awareness Week will take place from 14 to 18 June to raise awareness of loneliness and get people talking about it.

Sponsored by the Marmalade Trust, who said:

"We may all feel lonely at times; understand it and experience it. This Loneliness Awareness Week, we're encouraging people to see loneliness as an experience, not as a condition. It doesn't define us. By building a greater awareness and acceptance of loneliness, we can help ourselves and others to manage the feeling."

Check in and Chat is here to support carers

Carers particularly across the country are continuing to face new challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many taking on more responsibilities and facing even more difficult circumstances. Some may have to forgo seeing the person they would normally support and care for or feel isolated from their usual support networks, which can bring about strong feelings of loneliness.

It's OK to feel lonely from time to time and a period alone is sometimes beneficial. However, prolonged loneliness can impact our mental health, which is why the CNWL Check In and Chat Service is here to support you.

The CNWL Check In and Chat Service provides a friendly, trained ear to support the carers of CNWL patients who may be experiencing isolation, loneliness, exhaustion and poor mental health.

We are here for carers throughout the pandemic and beyond, whether during national Covid restrictions or outside of them.

Here are something carers, who have used the service, said:

"It was nice to have someone ask ‘how was your week and how are you?"

"….finds our chats means she doesn't "bottle things up".

"When you call it’s like you’re here in my living room with me."

"If I hadn't had Check in & Chat to support me and provide a warm, friendly ear, I don't know who I could have turned to. I would have ended up really poorly with my mental health and unable to care for my loved ones."

“Not getting out much and not having someone to talk to, with the long period stuck in doors was hard. So It was nice to look forward to speak to someone every week.”

Anne Smith, Chair of CNWL's Carers' Council said:

“The Check in and Chat  service is now available to all carers as well. I can testify that it is an excellent service. It allows me to have an hour per week when I can speak about what is good and what has been a bit tricky. I have a sense that the person is listening and regards me as important. It takes away the sense of isolation and reminds me that what I do is worthwhile.  Like everyone, from time to time we need reassurance that we make a difference.”

To refer yourself, please call 020 3317 5825 or email cnwl.check-inandchat@nhs.net

For more information, download our leaflet.