Creating Connections with Community Events to Reduce Loneliness

Guest blog by: Rachael is a Communications Consultant at Trinity Centre, with whom she has been working since 2021. Trinity was established in 1972  for the benefit of Newham residents, particularly those who may be isolated, marginalised and vulnerable, to create a community space for education, support and connection.

This June, from 15 to 21 June 2026, we’re taking part in Loneliness Awareness Week, a global campaign hosted by leading loneliness charity Marmalade Trust.

What is Loneliness Awareness Week?

Loneliness Awareness Week is the world's largest campaign to inspire conversations about loneliness, and promote connection activities happening across the world. 

Everyone can join the movement by fundraising, hosting an event or activity, or sharing their voice on social media.

This year’s theme is Giving Loneliness a Voice.

Across the world, this campaign inspires people to recognise loneliness as a natural human emotion, and create spaces for people to express how they feel, without fear or judgement.

Why does this matter?

Trinity Community Centre was established in 1972, and sits in the heart of Newham. Although the building we are based in is an old church, we are a secular organisation and welcome people from all cultures and faiths across the borough. 

Our aim has always been to improve the conditions of life for local people by offering support to our community, especially those who are vulnerable and may be marginalised. We deliver a range of services in partnership with other organisations, providing support, advocacy, education and advice, and offering a way for isolated people to connect with their local community.

Many of the people who use our services are lonely, living in isolation, for a wide range of reasons. We all experience loneliness at different points in our lives but many struggle to talk about it. By bringing people with similar experiences together, we can help reduce the stigma and make it easier for people to feel seen, heard and understood. 

By hosting seasonal events alongside our local services, we bring together people from all walks of life to meet others from across Newham to be part of something, where they can make long-lasting, meaningful connections.

How we’re taking part

Trinity Community Centre

Helping to combat loneliness does not need to be a grand event. Simple, thoughtful actions can make a real difference. This year, we’re hosting our annual Summer Party in conjunction with Loneliness Awareness Week (LAW), encouraging all of our community members to attend and chat with others who use our services for different reasons, making new connections and celebrating existing friendships made here.

Due to numbers, we are limited in those who can attend so this is a closed event for Newham residents only, but we are sharing with you, in case this inspires you to do something to combat loneliness in your community.

How can I help reduce loneliness in my community?

You can get involved in a way that feels right for you. You could:

• Host an event or connection activity using the LAW campaign resources

• Follow the lesson and assembly plans for schools

• Add loneliness to your meeting agenda in your organisation

• Arrange a meet-up or smaller group gathering for those who may be feeling lonely to come together.

  
  

Or you can keep in super simple, and

• Start a conversation with someone new throughout the week

• Reach out to someone who may be isolated and spend time with them - have a coffee, join them for dinner, invite them for a walk

• Share the campaign, and/or your own experiences of loneliness on social media using the made for you posts in our social media toolkit

  
  

Any action you take - no matter how big or small - to give loneliness a voice this summer,  will help make loneliness more visible and remind others that they are not alone.