Playing Our Part

Change Your Mind is delighted to be working with BBC NI on the Playing Our Part appeal to help end loneliness.

Everybody needs somebody. All of us can feel lonely at different times in our lives. For many of us, this experience is temporary. But, for others, the effects of loneliness can be harder to deal with and overcome. Loneliness can become an issue for us at times of transition in our lives: starting a new school, college or job; following a bereavement or relationship breakdown; taking on caring responsibilities; retirement or unemployment; or becoming a parent, with all of the demands that this can involve. All of these situations mean that people may need just a little help in re-connecting with the world around them.

Loneliness isn’t in itself a mental health problem, but the two are strongly linked. Having a mental health problem can increase one's chances of feeling lonely. And feeling lonely can have a negative impact on a person's mental health. Each of us can make life feel less lonely for someone else… Even small actions can make a big difference:

• Conversation. Catch up with an old friend, or say hello to someone new.
• Ask someone if they are ok?
• Connection. Reach out to the people around you – friends, family, neighbours and colleagues.
• Community. Become part of something bigger – join a club or charity, or go along to neighbourhood events. 
• Get involved and assist others in doing the same.

Help all of us, and each other, to overcome loneliness.

Change Your Mind would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all of the partners in this campaign.

For more information on the BBC appeal, click here.