New research reveals stigma is stopping people opening up about loneliness
- katherineriley7
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
To mark Loneliness Awareness Week (9th – 15th June 2025), brand new research has revealed that, while 82% of UK adults surveyed admitted to personally experiencing loneliness, a whopping 61% of these adults who said they have experienced loneliness have never told anyone they feel lonely.
The Marmalade Trust conducted the research in partnership with Ipsos.
When asked about the main barriers that might prevent someone from talking about loneliness, 56% of adults surveyed selected barriers that highlight feelings of internalised stigma – choosing answers including feeling embarrassed, ashamed or fear of being judged as barriers.
This year’s Loneliness Awareness Week is focused on reducing the stigma surrounding loneliness through the theme Meeting Loneliness Together.
More than 5,000 activities are happening across the UK and worldwide for the campaign. Communities, businesses, schools, and individuals are taking part by having honest, open conversations about loneliness and creating opportunities for connection.
The survey showed that one of the ways in which people would prefer to talk about loneliness is in-person (58%). When asked what might encourage people to discuss their feelings of loneliness, having close friends, family, or colleagues initiate the conversation was the most-selected answer (43%). perhaps because this mitigates feelings of judgement and embarrassment.
This key find is a core part of The Marmalade Trust’s aims for the campaign as Amy Perrin OBE, CEO and Founder of The Marmalade Trust, explains;
“Loneliness is a natural human emotion that we are all likely to experience at some point in our lives. But we also know that if loneliness is very severe or lasts a long time, it increases the risk of some physical and mental health conditions.
“This new research highlights what we suspected - that the stigma of loneliness remains high with 61% of respondents who state they have experienced feelings of loneliness say they have never told anyone they feel lonely.
“Loneliness Awareness Week helps people understand loneliness within themselves and others by having open and honest conversations. By opening up, we reduce the stigma surrounding loneliness and that’s why we’ve been working with partners across the world who are organising everything from a coffee morning to a week long festival! It’s not too late to get involved.”
Loneliness Minister Stephanie Peacock said:
"As part of Loneliness Awareness Week, it was a privilege to meet The Marmalade Trust to hear about the work that is being done to remove the stigma around loneliness, which affects people of all ages.
"The Marmalade Trust's mission is to support people to make new connections reflecting the government's commitment to building stronger, more connected communities where everyone can thrive."
Emmaline Rogers, Head of Sustainability at HEINEKEN UK, says:
“At HEINEKEN UK, our purpose is brewing the joy of true togetherness, which is why our long-standing partnership with Marmalade Trust is so important to us. As one of the UK’s leading pub, beer and cider companies, we know the unique role pubs play as community hubs that bring people from all walks of life together. To support Loneliness Awareness Week this year, we are hosting The Great Big Pub Quiz up and down the country on the 12th June, helping to create welcoming spaces where meaningful human connections can thrive.”
Rebecca Pawley (she/her), Public Affairs and Policy Manager, Jo Cox Foundation, says:
“At The Jo Cox Foundation, we believe that stronger social connections are essential to building a kinder, more cohesive society. Before her murder, Jo was passionate about addressing loneliness and recognised it as one of the defining public health challenges of our time. As Jo herself said, ‘Young or old, loneliness doesn’t discriminate.’ We’re proud to support Loneliness Awareness Week and its focus on breaking down stigma because no one should feel ashamed to say they’re lonely, and no one should have to face it alone.”
Ruth Lowe, Head of Loneliness Services at Age UK, says:
“While lots of brilliant work has gone into reducing the stigma around loneliness in recent years, I believe that many older people still find it hard to speak about how they’re feeling. That's why we're supporting this year's Loneliness Awareness Week campaign - to ensure older people aren't overlooked in the conversation, that their voices are heard, and that we all play our part in listening closely."
