The Loneliness Project

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.

We work closely with the gunnercooke foundation, who deliver The Loneliness Project at the bookshop and support our social mission to tackle loneliness and social isolation in our community. The gunnercooke foundation is a charity established to facilitate the charitable ambitions of gunnercooke LLP, one of the UK’s fastest growing law firms and founder of House of Books and Friends. Their vision is to help and support small and medium size charities and community organisations to grow, achieve their ambitions, do more good faster, and to reach more people in need in the process.

At the beginning of 2023, we began delivery on The Loneliness Project with the gunnercooke foundation. At its heart, the project creates ways to bring people together. It also aims to destigmatise loneliness in the process, acknowledging that different people experience loneliness at different times of their lives. From accessible book clubs to weekly community catch ups, we work closely with the team, charities, and individuals to deliver a variety of events that bring a community solution to the growing challenge of loneliness and social isolation.

What’s Happening in The Loneliness Project

Check out the Events Calendar to book tickets and see what’s on!

Coffee & Connections (Every Friday, 11am – 12pm)

• Our weekly community meet up. We provide the coffee, you provide the conversation! Free, bookable ticket. Find out more here.

Chatter & Natter Table (Every Monday & Wednesday, 12pm – 1pm)

• Drop in and say hello to our Chatty Cafe volunteers who are on hand to have a natter!

The Craft Club (First Monday of the month, 5pm – 6pm)

• Bring your own projects and join our community of crafters. Tickets £3, hot drink included.

Baby Friendly Book Club (Last Thursday of the month, 10:30 – 11:30am)

• Our book club for adults with little ones. Make new connections, read new books! Ticketed, paid for event.

Family Coffee & Connections (10:30 – 11:30am)

Beyond Words Book Club Pop Up (11am – 12pm)

Get Involved 

• If there’s an event or group you’d like to see, get in touch with our Community Builder: lara.bland@thegunnercookefoundation.com

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