Support if you’re feeling lonely and ways to meet new people - Camden Rise

It’s normal to feel lonely sometimes. Lots of us feel lonely during times of change, like moving schools, to college or university, or into work.

This can leave us feeling unsettled as we may no longer see friends or family as often as we used to, and meeting new people may seem more difficult.

We often use social media to keep in touch with friends and family, which can help us feel closer to people. But social media can also make us feel lonelier if we compare our lives to others – people often only post the best parts of their lives.

Tips if you’re feeling lonely 

Talking about how you’re feeling and keeping in touch with people in your life can help, as can doing things you enjoy and spending time outdoors. Try not compare yourself to others.

Meet new people in Camden 

Meeting new people can help us feel happier and healthier. There’s lots of ways to meet new people in Camden, including:  

• Take part in free activities at youth centres and youth projects, including sports, games, trips, volunteering and more – for ages 13 to 19 (up to age 25 if you have a learning disability)
• 16 to 24-year-olds can drop in to The Hive’s Social Hub to meet new people and sign up for free activities
• Join low-cost sports activities for your age group – some school holiday activities are free if you receive free school meals and there are discounts on other activities for Camden residents and households receiving benefits with a valid Better Leisure membership
• Take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – open to 13 to 24-year-olds, you can do this at Somers Town Youth Centre, Fresh Youth Academy (Kentish Town) or Netherwood Youth and Family Hub (Kilburn)
• Join the Camden Youth Council if you’re aged 13 to 19 to help make a difference in your borough
• If you’re aged 18 or over, check out more ways to connect with your community in Camden.

Support to meet new people

If you’d like some support to meet new people, or try out new activities, a social prescriber can help. Social prescribing can help people who are feeling lonely or isolated, or those who might need support with their mental health and wellbeing. In Camden, there are a number of services that offer social prescribing services for young people. 

You can get social prescribing support through Fitzrovia Youth in Action (ages 11 to 18), Brandon Centre (ages 16 to 24) and The Hive (ages 16 to 24). The social prescribers at Fitzrovia Youth in Action and Brandon Centre can work with you one-to-one to find activities and services. You can be referred for this support by your school or a youth worker or health professional. 

You can drop in to The Hive's Social Hub to register and access free activities, or you can be referred by any professional.

More support

If loneliness is affecting your mental health, there is lots of help out there. 

Find out about support with mental health for young people.