Research reveal under 25’s the loneliest of any generation as new text campaign offers support
Loneliness is usually linked with older people, but an in-depth analysis suggests under 25s are the loneliest generation of them all.
A new report by the charity Mental Health Innovations – analysing data from conversations with 680,000 people who contacted its Shout text support service – highlights younger generations are reporting high levels of loneliness. Indeed, over 70,000 people who reported feeling alone were under the age of 25, with teens (14-17s) making up a quarter of this figure, while one in ten were under the age of 13.
Loneliness has been linked to depression, anxiety, and a shortened lifespan and finding ways to feel more connected may not just help you feel less lonesome, it may benefit your wellbeing. However a third of those who contacted the support service do so because they don’t have any friends, family or trusted adults they can talk to.
To coincide with World Mental Health Day (Tuesday 10th October) Network Rail is joining forces with Mental Health Innovations and the wider rail industry to launch the Make a Connection campaign – encouraging anyone who is struggling with their mental health to text the keyword ‘Journey’ to 85258 for free and confidential mental health support.
James spoke with those behind the campaign, including Emily who used Shout when she was at her lowest when started university.
James Dickman 10th October 2023
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