In the month of June, as the warmth of summer arrives, it's the perfect time to foster meaningful connections and embrace the power of togetherness. Loneliness Awareness Week (10-16 June 2024), hosted by Marmalade Trust, provides a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about loneliness and encourage conversations around this important topic. This year's theme, Random Acts of Connection, encourages everyone to increase those simple, everyday moments of connection which help us feel happier and less lonely.
As part of our monthly series, we've put our heads together and found four opportunities or ways to feel less lonely and build meaningful connections in June - one for each week. As always, comment below, or drop us a line on social media to share your connection ideas.
What's on
June is buzzing with community events across the UK, perfect for making new connections. Keep an eye out for summer fairs, outdoor markets, music festivals, and art exhibitions in your area. These gatherings are great for meeting people and feeling a sense of belonging.
June is also the Month of Community, celebrating everything that makes our communities special. There are tons of events and celebrations happening nationwide, supporting various charities and causes. Here are some highlights:
📍 Great Big Green Week
8-16 June
The Great Big Green Week is the UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. Every year, people come together to unleash a wave of support for action to protect the planet. Tens of thousands of people in every corner of the country celebrate the heartfelt, brave, everyday actions being taken to stand up for nature and fight climate change.
📍 The Great Get Together
21-23 June
Inspired by Jo Cox's message of unity, The Great Get Together celebrates what brings us together and rejects division. It can be any event that fosters community spirit!
📍 Pride Month
June is also Pride Month! To find a Pride parade or event near you, visit gaypridecalendar.com/world and join the celebrations.
📍 Have a Grow
1-9 June
Have a Grow, organised by Social Farms and Gardens, is a national celebration of community growing. If you're involved in a community garden, city farm, CSA, or care farm, why not host an event? Events can be of any size, and Social Farms and Gardens provide a helpful pack to get you started.
Get out there
Make the most of the longer days and warmer weather by getting outdoors! Join a local sports club, go hiking in the countryside, or organise a picnic in a nearby park. These group activities let you enjoy nature's beauty while connecting with others.
Sarah from our team at Marmalade HQ has been inspiring all of us to try outdoor swimming. Have you tried it? Check out The Outdoor Swimming Society if you're interested, it's a space within which a community of independent spirits can share the joy and adventure of swimming outdoors. Or just search 'outdoor swimming near me' to find a nice spot local to you.
Bring sunshine to someone else's day
Giving back to your community not only benefits others but also helps you connect with like-minded people. Find local volunteering opportunities in your area, such as helping at a food bank, organising a neighbourhood clean-up, or helping at a charity event. Volunteering allows you to meet new people who share a passion for making a positive impact.
Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June) is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities. The ideal time to find lots of tips on how to start volunteering and loads of inspiring volunteer stories!
Get involved in Loneliness Awareness Week
Loneliness Awareness Week 2024 takes place from 10 - 16 June. Our theme, Random Acts of Connection, encourages everyone to increase those simple, everyday moments of connection which help us feel happier, less lonely and increase our sense of belonging.
What can you do?
Join in by making a #RandomActOfConnection! It can be as simple as a chat in a queue, smiling at a neighbour, reaching out to a friend, or signing up to a new activity.
Host a connection-building activity or event to bring people together and add it to our map. Or, check out whats on near you! Visit: events.lonelinessawarenessweek.org
Download and share our expert resources, toolkits, workshops and more to grow your understanding of loneliness and help raise awareness. Visit: lonelinessawarenessweek.org
Each June, millions of people from every part of society take part in Loneliness Awareness Week across the UK and globally. This year, join individuals, businesses, schools, charities, governments and public figures to raise awareness and empower everyone to find new connections. Together, let's make Loneliness Awareness Week 2024 our biggest yet!
In the month of June, we have the opportunity to cultivate meaningful connections and ease feelings of loneliness. By finding local events, spending time outside, volunteering, trying new things, and taking part in Loneliness Awareness Week, we can foster connections and make a positive impact on our well-being and the well-being of others.
Embrace the power of connection, and remember, even the smallest moments of connection can make a significant difference. Let me know how you get on!
Meg at Marmalade Trust
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