Loneliness Awareness Week (LAW) is an annual campaign created by the Marmalade Trust which aims to raise awareness of loneliness in the UK. This year’s theme is random acts of connection, where everyone is encouraged to increase those simple, everyday moments of connection which help us feel happier, less lonely and increase our sense of belonging.
This could be making conversation with your barista in the morning, checking in with your old friend, or coming into your local independent bookshop to chat about your new favourite novel!
At House of Books & Friends, we understand why connections matter, especially the small, somewhat insignificant ones that we all do daily. Do you every catch yourself smiling as you walk past a stranger in a busy market, or waving a quick hello to your neighbour as you rush to work? Research suggests that these little interactions have a massive, positive effect on your mental wellbeing, reminding you that you belong to part of a wider community and can really help alleviate the feeling of loneliness and isolation.
LAW 2024 is all about ever so slightly increasing these connections, and by doing so, we’re all helping each other with our sense of belonging.
Since opening back in 2022, we have a variety of events in the name of making connections, such as hosting social evenings, have a monthly book club, hold author events, are part of the Chatty Cafe scheme. We hope by doing these, we’re making a difference and sticking to our core mission, combatting loneliness and isolation in the local community.
What’s On: Loneliness Awareness Week 2024
Over the course of this week (10th-17th June) our social media channels will be full of content about Loneliness Awareness Week, and there’ll be some things going on in the bookshop, too!
Girls Who Walk MCR
This week, their book club will be at our lovely shop, as well as hearing from their ambassadors as they share their experiences of loneliness and some tips for powering through it and stepping out of your comfort zone to make incredible new connections! Feel free to come down – tickets are available here.
Charity Spotlight
We’ll be highlighting some of our favourite charities on our social media and showing what great work they do in alleviating social isolation and loneliness.
Social Media Top Tips
Throughout the week across our social media platforms, we’ll be asking our Booksellers for their tips on managing loneliness and isolation.
If you need that extra bit support, remember you’re not alone. We have signposted a mixture of services that can help you if you are feeling lonely and socially isolated. Please take a look at our Resources Page or the Marmalade Trust’s website for further information.
We look forward to seeing you in the shop!