Loneliness is an increasingly pressing issue and addressing this challenge requires collaboration, innovation, and a strong network of dedicated professionals.
To confront this challenge, The Tackling Loneliness Hub, the first of its kind in the world, was initially developed by the Campaign to End Loneliness and serves as a digital platform specifically for professionals in research and academia, public health, charities, government, think-tanks and more can come together to network, share knowledge, resources and insights.
Recognising the importance of such collaboration, Neighborly Lab, in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre for Loneliness Studies, (which now hosts the Campaign to End Loneliness), has been awarded Government funding to further develop the Hub. This funding will enable the partnership to expand the hub's reach and provide members with not-to-be-missed in-person events, insightful webinars, and key resources.
Harry Hobson, Director at Neighbourly Lab
Neighbourly Lab is delighted to be entrusted by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) to steward this amazing community of professionals working to reduce severe loneliness in the UK. The Hub is here to support and power these organisations in all their work. It's a town-square, a store of useful evidence, a lively coffee house of conversation and a symbol of the Government’s steadfast commitment to foregrounding and tackling loneliness. It’s great to be working with the team at Sheffield Hallam University and to be continuing to partner with our long-term friends and collaborators at the Campaign to End Loneliness.
The DCMS added “Individuals and organisations across society have a part to play in building a more connected society, where people can have positive relationships that help them to thrive. DCMS looks forward to working with Neighbourly Lab and Sheffield Hallam University over the next year to continue the Tackling Loneliness Hub.”
Associate Professor Antonia Ypsilanti, Co-Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness, also expressed her excitement about the project: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the Tackling Loneliness Hub and to be part of this vibrant professional community. We are looking forward to sharing evidence-based practices and high-quality content, which is relevant to the needs of The Hub members. We are also excited to host webinars and create specialist working groups led by key stakeholders in the field of loneliness.
Professor Andrea Wigfield, Director of the Centre for Loneliness Studies at Sheffield Hallam University and Co-Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness added, "We are looking forward to working closely with key stakeholders and users of the Tackling Loneliness Hub. Our aim is to provide a link between research and practice and create true impact in our communities and people.”
With over 1,000 members, the hub has grown to become a dynamic online community that supports professionals across England working to combat loneliness. It’s become a vital space for members to connect, further their understanding and collaborate with other professionals they may not usually get the opportunity to.
The Tackling Loneliness Hub is more than just a forum; it is a proactive community with clear goals:
Creating Strong Networks: The Hub aims to build a robust network of loneliness professionals by providing an accessible and user-friendly platform. Allowing members to engage in meaningful conversations and share their insights & experiences.
Fostering Collaboration: By encouraging the exchange of ideas and best practices, the Hub will support professionals in working together to amplify their efforts in tackling loneliness. The hub will also offer opportunities for members to collaborate on new initiatives.
Sharing Emerging Evidence: The Hub is committed to disseminating the latest research and insights on loneliness. This evidence-based approach helps in the development of effective interventions.
Expanding the National Conversation: One of the key objectives of the Neighbourly Lab and Sheffield Hallam University is to also engage a wider & diverse range of members to grow the national dialogue on loneliness and its impact on our communities.
By fostering a strong network of professionals, promoting collaboration, and sharing emerging evidence, the Hub is poised to make a significant impact. As it continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of loneliness interventions in England.
The Centre for Loneliness Studies’s approach to multidisciplinary, evidence-based evaluation and Neighborly Lab’s dedication to social connectedness and loneliness preventions ensures that this initiative will be both innovative and impactful, driving forward the national conversation on loneliness.
Membership is free and limited to those working towards tackling loneliness.
To apply, please visit - www.tacklinglonelinesshub.org or for more information email community.manager@neighbourlylab.com
Comments