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Tackling loneliness and social isolation

While some people thrive on being on their own, others need social contact. Communities have become more fragmented and lives are busier. It can be hard to have meaningful contact.

There are still ways to make friends and modern technology provides new opportunities.

Community activities and volunteering

How Are You Cambridgeshire & Peterborough

How Are You Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is a family of websites that bring together:

  • local things to do with information about what to expect when you get there;
  • opportunities to connect with others, be active, learn, get creative, explore the outdoors, volunteer and lots more;
  • places to get a wide range of support.

Find out more on the How Are You Cambridgeshire & Peterborough website.

How Are You Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is a Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust initiative.

Help to get out

Stay connected at home

Are you unable to get out and about? Or do you want to stay in touch with friends and family who live a long way away? Technology and services can help.

Mobile warden services

Mobile, or community warden services can visit, or call you regularly. They can help with things like:

  • listening to your concerns and providing information and guidance
  • telling you about local community services
  • getting small items of shopping
  • collecting prescriptions
  • reading post or making phone calls for you
  • supporting your safety and wellbeing

There may be a charge for the service. You can find details of local mobile wardens on the South Cambridgeshire District Council website. There is information on mobile wardens across Cambridgeshire on the Age UK website.

Embracing technology

  • Do you have a friend or neighbour who can help you to get online and use the internet? Cambridgeshire libraries have 'digital buddies' who can help you to develop computer skills. They can show you how to connect with friends and family through email, or social media.
  • Social media can be a great way of staying in touch with friends and family. You can see photos, send messages, even see young relatives grow up.
  • Friends of the Elderly offers a telephone befriending service, where a volunteer will call at least every fortnight. Call 0330 332 1110, or email hello@fote.org.uk  for more information.
  • The Silver Line is a free confidential helpline offering information, advice and friendship to older people. Call any time - it is a 24 hour service - on 0800 4 70 80 90
  • Cambridgeshire libraries offer Engage - regular online events for the over-50s.

Someone to visit you at home

  • Cambridgeshire Libraries also offers the Library at Home service - a network of volunteers who can bring books to you in your home if you are unable to visit a library.  Call 0354 045 5225 for more information.
  • Age UK Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Sharing Time scheme organises volunteers to visit people who find themselves isolated in later life . 
  • Care Network Help at Home can provide short-term practical help. This includes during times of crisis, or when returning home from hospital. You can call 01954 211919 for more information. 

Mental health support

Our Keep Your Head website has information on mental health and wellbeing.

Mental health organisation Lifecraft has a phone helpline - Lifeline. You can call 0808 808 2121, free, between 11am and 11pm every day. 

British Red Cross support

The Red Cross website has information on getting help for loneliness.

Ladies talking and laughing