Loneliness is often described as a “silent epidemic” not because it’s rare, but because it so often goes unseen. It can affect anyone, at any stage of life, quietly eroding confidence, wellbeing, and that essential sense of belonging. Across our communities, the reasons for loneliness are as varied as the people experiencing it. Retirement, long-term health conditions, caring responsibilities, bereavement, or major life transitions can all create distance between individual
