Bromley Council is marking the fourth and final year of its current Tackling Loneliness Strategy, highlighting continued progress in strengthening community connections and reducing isolation.
Since launching the strategy in 2022, the council has worked in partnership with local organisations, health services, voluntary groups and residents to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing across the borough.
Over the past four years, this coordinated approach has helped raise awareness, expand opportunities for social connection and embed loneliness as a key priority in local services.
A wide range of initiatives have contributed to this progress, including increased access to community activities, stronger signposting to local support and closer integration between health, care and voluntary sector services. These efforts have ensured that social connection is recognised as an essential part of both mental and physical health, and that residents are better able to find support when they need it.
Councillor Diane Smith, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health said, "Tackling loneliness continues to be a key priority for Bromley Council. Over the past four years, we have worked closely with our partners and communities to build stronger connections and improve access to support for residents. Although this is the final year of the 2022 to 2026 strategy, Bromley Council remains committed to continuing its work to tackle loneliness and support residents experiencing social isolation.”
The council will continue to build on previous work by strengthening local networks, reaching residents most at risk of isolation, and keeping support accessible across the borough. This will be reflected in a new strategy which is planned to be launched in Summer 2027.
A key task will be to look back on what has been achieved and learnt so far, ahead of developing the new strategy. We will use events over the autumn to collect feedback and ideas from the organisations that have worked with us and will listen to Bromley residents on their priorities for the next chapter in tackling loneliness.
This period also coincides with Loneliness Awareness Week (15 to 21 June), led by the Marmalade Trust, which this year marks its tenth anniversary. While the national campaign helps shine a spotlight on loneliness and encourage open conversations, Bromley’s work reflects a long-term, local commitment to tackling the issue every day of the year.
Residents are encouraged to find out more about local support and community activities by visiting www.bromley.gov.uk/loneliness and exploring the Simply Connect Bromley directory, which provides up-to-date information on services and opportunities across the borough.
While the council and its partners play a vital role, tackling loneliness is a shared responsibility. Small acts of kindness and consideration like checking in on a neighbour, making time for friends and family, or reaching out to someone who may be feeling isolated can make a significant difference. By working together as a community, Bromley can continue to build a more connected and supportive borough for everyone.
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For media enquiries, please contact Liam Scoble in Public Affairs, on 020 8313 4688 or email liam.scoble@bromley.gov.uk.