Giving Loneliness a Voice in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada: Join Us This Loneliness Awareness Week

Loneliness Awareness Week, June 15 to 21, was created a decade ago by Marmalade Trust, a UK charity, and is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about loneliness and how it can affect mental and physical wellbeing. This annual global event is intended to inspire conversations about loneliness, reduce stigma around it, and promote connection activities happening across the world.

Former US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, states “The ultimate solution to loneliness lies in each of us. We can be the medicine that each other needs. We can be the solution other people crave. We are all doctors and we are all healers.”

The What Matters to Hatters Coalition aims to create a sense of hope, resiliency, and connection in our community and has been participating in Loneliness Awareness Week for the past few years. We trust that social connection not only has a positive effect on individual health and well-being, but it can lead to many positive outcomes at the community level, and we help support and build these social connections.

Loneliness is something we all experience at different points in our lives. By taking part, we hope to create space for more open conversations and meaningful connections.

This year’s theme is Giving Loneliness a Voice. Across the world the campaign inspires people to recognize loneliness as a natural human emotion, and create spaces for people to express how they feel without fear or judgement. Loneliness is a universal human experience like hunger or thirst. It is a natural signal that something is missing from our lives, in this case, human connection.

Taking part does not need to be big. Small, thoughtful actions can make a difference. For instance, did you know that being kind can help support connection? According to recent research at the University of British Columbia, acts of kindness can shift our focus outward, soothe social anxiety, and spark genuine human connection. Although kindness may seem simple, it has significant positive physical and emotional impacts for both the recipient and the person offering kindness. So, why not try it?

What Matters to Hatters is getting involved, and we invite YOU to join us. We are pleased to announce this year’s schedule of activities.

Sidewalk Talk Listening Event

We will kick off the week with a Sidewalk Talk Listening Event on Monday, June 15 from 12:00 to 1:00pm on the lawn near the Giant Chess Board at the Medicine Hat Public Library. This event aims to reduce loneliness, promote inclusion, and support mental and social well-being in the community. Volunteers serve as compassionate listeners rather than counselors, offering a safe, supportive space for Hatters to share their thoughts and feelings. They listen as equals and do not provide advice or try to “fix” problems. Volunteers are equipped with information about local community resources, including supports for mental health, addiction, and other support services available in Medicine Hat.

The Great Disconnect Film Screening

On Tuesday, June 16 from 6:00 to 7:30pm, we will present a screening of the film The Great Disconnect at the Medicine Hat Public Library Theatre. This documentary explores the importance of community connection and how to build and nurture meaningful relationships. The screening will be followed by a discussion on ideas for creating inclusive social spaces and strengthening community well-being.

Chatty Table

What Matters to Hatters Coalition Members are hosting a “Chatty Table” on Wednesday, June 17 from 10:00 to 11:30am at The Station Coffee House. A chatty table is a designated table in a café, library, or community space where anyone is welcome to sit if they want to talk and connect with others. It’s a simple concept designed to spark everyday conversations, reduce loneliness, and build a sense of community.

Brews and Board Game Night

On Thursday, June 18 from 6:00 to 9:00pm, in partnership with the Medicine Hat Public Library and Hometown Culinary, we will be hosting a Brews and Board Game Night at Hometown Culinary. Whether you're a strategy master or a casual player, come enjoy friendly competition, meet new people, and explore classic and modern board games. No experience necessary, just bring your enthusiasm!

Throughout Loneliness Awareness Week, we will be sharing information and resources on Facebook and Twitter about loneliness and connection, and we encourage you to engage with us on these posts. We’ve also placed tent cards featuring information about the importance of connection at select locations throughout the community.

In addition, Hatters are invited to keep an eye out for “connection cards” hidden inside books at the Medicine Hat Public Library!

Everyone can join the movement by showing kindness, engaging with our posts on social media, searching for connection cards at the library and re-hiding them in the community for others to discover, and joining us at our Loneliness Awareness Week events. We hope to see you!

Every action helps make loneliness more visible and reminds others they are not alone. Whatever actions you take, big or small, you are helping to give loneliness a voice. 💛