Today marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.

This year, the theme is ‘Loneliness’.  Across the country, people will be reflecting on loneliness and how it impacts our mental health.  Most of us will feel lonely from time to time, but long-term loneliness is closely linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

In support of this year’s theme, we have put together the below suggestions on how to combat feelings of loneliness.  We are also encouraging everyone to take some time this week to connect to other people around you and help us break the stigma around loneliness.  You can do this online by following #IveBeenThere.