Loneliness Awareness Week (LAW) is an annual campaign created by the Marmalade Trust which aims to raise awareness of loneliness in the UK. 2026 marks 10 years of the campaign, and this yearβs theme is Giving Loneliness a Voice. By sharing real, human stories of loneliness – and the wonderful power of understanding and connection – together we can make people experiencing loneliness feel less alone.
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. Together, we deliver programmes like Coffee & Connections, the Chatty CafΓ© scheme, Craft Club, Books & Beats SEND musical storytelling workshops and accessible book clubs like our Baby Friendly Book Club and Beyond Words Book Club. We hope by doing these, weβre making a difference by hosting events and groups that bring us closer together.
What’s On: Loneliness Awareness Week 2026
From Chatty Tables and Connection Tours to Summer Socials and Creative Competitions, we’ve got plenty going onΒ to help spark new connections!
Adult Creative Writing and Art Competition
Weβre inviting all you aspiring writers and artists out there to enter our Adult Creative Writing and Art Competition! We want you to submit a short piece of writing and/or piece of art inspired by the theme of Loneliness Awareness Week 2026 – Giving Loneliness a Voice. Weβre interested in your responses to the theme, and welcome reflections on belonging, community and connection. We support Marmalade Trustβs mission in destigmatising loneliness and would like you to give loneliness a voice through which ever art form youβd like.
The winners will each receive a Β£25 book token, and the runners up will receive a Β£15 book token each to use at the bookshop. The winners and runners up from both categories will also have their work displayed throughout the shop and will be invited to speak at our Bookish Summer Social on Thursday 18 June.
We welcome all types of writing and artforms (surprise us!) but hereβs some guidance to help you get going. You donβt need to be a professional, and youβre welcome to enter both categories.
Creative Writing
- Poetry (up to 30 lines)
- Flash Fiction: 500 words or less
- Short story: 1000-3000 words
Art
- From collage and ceramics to photography and painting – we want to see it all!
- Send us a photo of your work along with a description of how it responds to the theme (no more than 300 words)
Details & How to Enter (Please read the full Terms & Conditions below)
- You must be 18+ to enter and based in Manchester or the Greater Manchester area
- Submissions open Thursday 30 April
- Submissions close Saturday 30 May at midnight
- Donβt forget to include your name and contact information in your submission!
- 1 winner & 1 runner up in each category. 1st place will receive Β£25 book vouchers & runners up will receive Β£15 book vouchers to spend in store.
- Work to be judged by local author, Connor Hutchinson & local artist (TBA)
Creative Writing Category
- email a copy of your work to bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com or hand it in to our staff at the bookshop.
Art Category
- email a photo/video of your work along with a description of how it responds to the theme (no more than 300 words) to bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com or hand it in to our staff at the bookshop.
Terms & Conditions
1. Eligibility
- The competition is open to individuals aged 18 and over.
- Entrants must be based in Manchester or the Greater Manchester area.
2. Entries
- Only one entry per person per category is permitted (Creative Writing and Art).
- Entries must be the original work of the entrant.
- Previously published work is not permitted, including work published online, in print, or submitted to other competitions.
- Entries must not be created using artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
3. Submission Requirements
- All entries must follow the category guidelines provided.
- Written submissions must be sent in accessible formats (e.g. .doc, .docx, or PDF). .pages files will not be accepted.
- Art submissions must include a clear photo or video of the work plus a description (maximum 300 words).
- Submissions must include the entrantβs name and contact details. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted.
4. Judging Process
- Entries will be anonymised before being shared with the judging panel to ensure a fair and unbiased process.
- Judgesβ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
5. Prizes
- One winner and one runner-up will be selected in each category.
- Winners will receive a Β£25 book token; runners-up will receive a Β£15 book token.
- No cash alternative is available.
6. Rights & Usage
- By entering, participants confirm they hold full copyright of their submission.
- Entrants grant the organisers permission to display and promote their work in-store and in connection with the competition (including events and marketing).
- The copyright remains with the creator.
7. Key Dates
- Submissions open: 30 April
- Submissions close: 30 May (midnight)
- Winners contacted: 13 June
- Winners announced and work displayed: 15 June
- Bookish Summer Social: 18 June
8. General
- Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
- The organisers reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not comply with these terms.
- By entering, participants agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Belonging Box (15 – 21 June)
We want you to give loneliness a voice. Write your reflections on loneliness, belonging and connection, and put them into our Belonging Box at the bookshop where they will be on display for others to read.
Chatty CafΓ© Brunch (15 & 17 June)
Our Chatty CafΓ© Volunteers will be around to do what they do best – chat! Why not pop in to the shop, enjoy some free pastries, and have a good natter.
Timings: Monday & Wednesday 12 – 1pm
House of Books & Friends –Β Bookish Summer Social (Thursday 18 June)
Looking for a fun way to meet fellow bookworms? Come along to our Summer Social! Hear from the winners of our creative competition, take part in some games, eat some cake and enjoy a free, fun-filled evening – the perfect opportunity to celebrate Independent Bookshop & Loneliness Awareness Week 2026!
Timings: 6pm – 8pm
Tickets: Free, bookable tickets. Book here
Coffee & Connections (Friday, 19 June)
Our weekly community meet up where we talk about anything and everything! For Loneliness Awareness Week, weβll be celebrating those little moments of connection that make such a big difference. Why not come down and join us? Free hot drink included!
Timings: 11am – 12pm
Tickets: Free, bookable tickets. Book here
Books & Friends Connection Tours (Saturday, 20 June)
A walking tour with a difference! Our Books & Friends: Connection Tours are less about history and more about meeting new people and discovering local places to connect. Using the Manchester City of Literature Map, our tour will start at the House of Books & Friends and feature a snapshot of the cityβs literary highlights, what community activities they offer and how to get involved – perfect for all you bookworms out there! We will end the tour back at the bookshop where youβll get the chance to know your group better over a free hot drink.
Tour Route (please note we will not enter any of the buildings other than House of Books & Friends on this tour)
Start: House of Books & Friends
Stop 2: Royal Exchange Theatre
Stop 3: The John Rylands Research Institute and Library
Stop 4: Waterstones Deansgate
Stop 5: The Portico Library
Stop 6: Central Library
End: House of Books & Friends
Timings: 10:30 – 11:3- & 13:00 – 14:00
Tickets: Free, bookable ticket. Book here.
Access
Please see ourΒ access pageΒ for information about accessing the bookshop.
Please contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com or call 07597365380 if you have any questions regarding accessibility.
Support
If you need that extra bit support, remember youβre 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 ourΒ Resources PageΒ or theΒ Marmalade Trustβs website for further information.
We look forward to seeing you in the shop!