Many people feel lonely from time to time, and experiencing loneliness is often thought to occur when our need for social contact and connection isn't met. The amount of social contact and connection you need will be unique to you. Remember, you don't have to be alone to feel lonely.

Feeling lonely and disconnected for a prolonged period of time can impact our wellbeing. Being around others can help to boost our mood and help us to feel connected. There are lots of ways you can improve or make new connections, including joining groups or communities, taking part in activities or volunteering:
 

Groups and communities

Meetup is a platform that connects you to people with similar interests.

Surrey Virtual Wellbeing provides some online and in-person social meetups in the local area.

The Men’s Shed Association lists all the ‘Men’s Sheds’ in the UK – a place to engage in practical skills whilst building connections & friendships.

Frazzled Cafe meetings are a supportive online community where you can come and talk in a safe, non-judgemental space about what’s really going on for you.

Rainbow Mind offer free monthly online spaces called 'Gatherings', for being, exploring, sharing, and supporting, and open to anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+, or, for those exploring gender, sexuality, identity, and relationship diversity.

You can find a local Ramblers Wellbeing Walks near you, that offer short walks to meet and connect with others.

Side by Side is Mind’s online community, where you can connect with others over shared experiences.

Scope offers an online forum for disabled people to make friends, share experiences, information and advice.

Student Minds offers support groups that are a safe, confidential place that allow students to talk and listen without judgement.

The Gingerbread community provides wellbeing resources and support to single parents. They also offer an online community, and local and digital groups to connect with others.

Volunteering

Good Gym is a fun and free way to get fit. They are a group who run/walk/cycle to help local community organizations and isolated older people by doing practical tasks. 

Surrey County Council has a volunteering database where you can search for local opportunities.

Do It is a database of UK volunteering opportunities. You can search more than a million volunteering opportunities by interest, activity or location and then apply online.

Age UK have a telephone befriending service where you are matched to an adult over 60 with similar interests to you to have a weekly 30-minute chat. It’s a free and simple way to connect to someone and you can make a difference to someone else’s life.

Podcasts

The Kind Place podcast features people talking about their experiences of loneliness and mental health.

Sound of Colleagues includes a mix of ‘office sounds’ for those working from home.

The Lonely Hour podcast is a space for people to speak openly about loneliness.