Loneliness Awareness Week 2026: Giving Loneliness a Voice in Edinburgh

15–21 June 2026 marks Loneliness Awareness Week 2026, a national campaign led by the Marmalade Trust.

This year’s theme, “Giving Loneliness a Voice,” encourages open conversations about loneliness and aims to reduce stigma by supporting people to share their experiences.

Loneliness is something many people experience at different points in life. It can affect anyone, and it doesn’t always look the same. By talking more openly, we can build greater understanding, reduce stigma, and strengthen connection across our communities in Edinburgh.

At iThrive, we know that feeling connected plays an important role in mental health and wellbeing. A range of resources and local services are available to help people explore loneliness, build confidence, and find ways to feel more connected.

Support and self-help resources

Our self-help resources offer practical ways to understand loneliness, strengthen wellbeing, and feel more connected to others.

If you’re experiencing feelings of isolation, our loneliness resource explores what loneliness can feel like and offers supportive ideas to help you cope and reconnect at your own pace.

Building small, positive habits can also make a real difference to wellbeing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing provides simple, evidence-based steps that can help improve mood and create more opportunities for connection in everyday life.

Sometimes loneliness can make it harder to reach out or talk about how you’re feeling. Our guide on how to talk about mental health offers tips to help start conversations and connect with others in a way that feels comfortable.

Confidence can also play a role in feeling more connected. The building your confidence resource offers practical support to help strengthen self-esteem and feel more able to engage with others and new situations.

Finding support and connection in Edinburgh

Alongside self-help resources, there are also local services across Edinburgh that can help people build connections, meet others, and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Whether someone is feeling isolated, going through a difficult time, or simply wanting more connection, reaching out can be an important first step.

Find support in Edinburgh

Giving loneliness a voice

This year’s Loneliness Awareness Week 2026 encourages us to talk more openly about loneliness and the impact it can have. By sharing experiences and listening without judgement, we can help reduce stigma and make it easier for people to reach out for support.

Small conversations and everyday moments of connection can make a real difference, whether that’s checking in on someone, starting a conversation, or encouraging someone to seek support.

iThrive is here to help people across Edinburgh find information, support, and services that can support wellbeing and connection all year round.