Health and wellbeing
Walsall Council marks Loneliness Awareness Week 2026 with call to “Let’s Connect”
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Walsall Council is supporting Loneliness Awareness Week (15–21 June 2026) by encouraging residents to come together, start conversations and build stronger community connections.
Led nationally by Marmalade Trust, this year’s theme, “Giving Loneliness a Voice,” aims to break down stigma and remind people that loneliness is a natural human emotion that can affect anyone at any stage of life.
Loneliness can impact people of all ages and backgrounds, affecting both mental and physical health. In Walsall, recent data shows that levels of chronic loneliness are higher than the national average. National research also shows that loneliness is more common among younger adults, people in poorer health, and those living in more deprived communities, highlighting the importance of local support and opportunities to connect.
“ Loneliness can affect anyone. By talking about it and supporting one another, we can make a real difference. You can help take small, meaningful steps such as saying hello to a neighbour, checking in with a friend or colleague, join a local group or activity, start a conversation about loneliness and encourage others to connect. Loneliness Awareness Week is a chance for all of us in Walsall to reach out, connect and build stronger communities. “
A range of local services and initiatives are helping residents feel more connected.
The Table, a community café based in Walsall town centre run a Chatty Table session on Mondays from 1:30pm to 3pm. Open to everyone, the Chatty Table offers a friendly space where residents can sit down, start a conversation and feel part of their community. Supported by volunteers, the initiative is part of the national Chatty Café Scheme, which is helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation across the UK by creating warm, welcoming places for people to talk and be heard.
Residents can also access personalised one-to-one support through Making Connections Walsall, a free and friendly service that tackles loneliness and social isolation. It offers one-to-one support to help residents engage in community activities and build social networks, with local delivery partners in the West (Old Hall Peoples Partnership), East (Manor Farm Community Association), North (Bloxwich Community Partnership) and South (YMCA Walsall).
POP Walsall supports young people aged 15–25 by offering mentoring, wellbeing support and opportunities to connect with others. Through a mix of social sessions and personalised support, POP Walsall creates safe, welcoming spaces where young people can build confidence, form friendships and feel less alone. The programme plays an important role in recognising that loneliness can affect younger age groups too, helping them access support early and stay connected to their community.
The Let’s Chat scheme (operated by Walsall Community Transport) runs a community hub at Walsall Bus Station (Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm), offering residents a chance to chat with someone over a hot drink and find out more about what is happening across Walsall. The scheme also runs outreach sessions in communities and district centres.
To find activities and groups where you live, visit the Walsall Wellbeing Directory or the Walsall Community Network website.
For more information and support for mental health and wellbeing, visit the Walsall Council website.
- View the latest data on Adult mental health and wellbeing - Data | Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care and Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care.
