Loneliness Awareness Week

In June, for Loneliness Awareness Week, we celebrated the brilliant work our teams do to help young people feel less alone.

Whether it’s through climbing, kayaking, cooking, or running friendly groups, we create safe spaces where young people can connect, especially those who might find it hard to socialise or even leave the house.

88% of 18–24 year olds said they felt lonely at least sometimes. 7% said they felt lonely all the time. (YouGov, 2019)

For young people facing homelessness or leaving care, loneliness can be really tough.

At 1625, we run activities and groups that help young people build friendships and feel part of a community – from Wellbeing Wednesdays to groups for young parents.

Keep reading to hear from some of our brilliant colleagues about how we’re tackling loneliness together.

Project Grapevine

“The pandemic seems like a long time ago and was a tough time for all of us. When things began to open back up, a lot of young people in our services struggled with poor mental health and an overwhelming feeling of isolation. We felt it important to help support our young people through this difficult time and, after consultation with them, a social meeting group called “The Grapevine” was born.

The purpose of the group was to allow our young people to meet up with their peers and share experiences and time together in a safe, non-judgemental, space. We ate and socialised together – It was just what our young people needed! The Grapevine is now a regular occurrence in our activities timetable and has developed into a young person led group which plans and organises social activities to reach those who feel bored, isolated, and alone. Our young people have organised many trips since the Grapevines inception including bowing, golf, walks, museum visits, ice and roller skating, to name a few.”

– Duane (Engagement & Learning Worker)

Climbing Club

“As an (Education, Employment and Training (EET) and Wellbeing Coach at 1625 Independent People, I see first-hand how difficult it can be for young people to connect with others. When you’re feeling anxious or unsure of yourself, even being surrounded by people doesn’t stop the loneliness. The fear of not knowing what to say, of feeling awkward or out of place, can make genuine connection feel out of reach.

That’s why I’m so passionate about our climbing club—a collaboration between 1625’s Reboot West programme and Crux Climbing. Together, we run weekly indoor bouldering sessions and full-day outdoor climbing trips to the Wye Valley during school/college holidays. These sessions aren’t just about learning to climb. They’re about building confidence, trust, and real social connections in a space that feels safe and supportive.

There’s something incredibly powerful about facing a challenge together—being literally tied in with someone, responsible for each other’s safety. It breaks down barriers in a way that small talk never could. You don’t need to be confident or chatty to get involved; the connection happens naturally through the shared experience.

At a recent outdoor session, I took three young people to the Wye Valley. On the journey there, they barely spoke—to me or to each other. But on the way back, they couldn’t stop laughing, swapping stories from the day and making plans for next time. The transformation was incredible. We know that loneliness doesn’t go away just by being in a group. It takes time, trust, and the right environment to build the confidence to open up. Activities like our climbing club offer that—and more. They create moments of genuine connection that can stay with young people long after the ropes are packed away.”

– Ben (EET & Wellbeing Coach, Reboot)

Wellbeing Wednesdays

“Midweek can be tough—especially if you’re a young person facing uncertainty, isolation, or just the everyday pressures of life. That’s why every other Wednesday at 1625 Independent People, we run a drop-in session designed to be exactly what’s needed: a calm, welcoming space where young people can breathe, create, and connect.

These sessions are flexible and always shaped around the needs and interests of the group. Some weeks we explore something creative—like arts and crafts—offering a quiet moment of self-expression. Other times, we focus on wellbeing through gentle yoga or mindfulness activities. And when energy runs high or spirits need lifting, we head out for something a bit more active—like go-karting.

What stays constant is the atmosphere: safe, supportive, and social. Many young people come regularly, knowing they’ll see a familiar face. And for those who are new or feeling unsure, the space is open, friendly, and easy to join—often leading to new connections and lasting friendships.

It’s more than just an activity session. It’s a space to unwind, be yourself, and feel part of a community. Because sometimes, knowing there’s somewhere to go—and someone to talk to—is exactly what makes the difference.”

Baby and parent music sessions

Being a parent can be incredibly lonely. That’s something we hear often—especially from young parents who are navigating single parenthood, strained family relationships, and housing insecurity. The pressure to be everything for your child, while feeling like you have no one for yourself, can be overwhelming.

At 1625 Independent People, we know that connection is vital—not just for mental health, but for a sense of identity and belonging. That’s why, at Charles England House, we’ve running music sessions for young parents and their babies.

For the last four weeks, a small group of parents and their little ones have been gathering in our shared, welcoming space. We sing, play instruments, talk, and explore the ways music can ground us and bring us together. The sessions aren’t just about musical play—they’re about community, confidence, and carving out a moment of calm and connection in otherwise chaotic lives.

In one session, a young parent bravely shared, “I’m scared of being lonely.” It was a powerful moment—and a reminder of why we do this. These sessions may seem simple, but they offer something deeply important: a sense of togetherness, a space to feel seen and heard, and a moment each week when no one has to face parenting—or loneliness—alone.

Explore Walking sessions

Our Reboot West team runs relaxed Explore Walk sessions for young people in and around Bristol, offering a chance to discover new places together.

Young people said: “This the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen”

“This is the best walk I’ve ever been on”

“This is the first time I’ve stroked a pig!”

“I really hope people with mental health issues see it as well so they can see how much it helps as it’s helped me.”

Skills Kitchen and Circle of Sistas

“Young people do not always want to tell you they are lonely but after being in this business for over 20 years I can pretty much tell who are.

I love running sessions with young people who come in shy and reserved and leave with massive smiles on their faces. This to me is priceless.

I run a skills kitchen and as we all know food is a fantastic way to connect. They come in, we talk about food, we cook we learn and share stories.  When asked what this means to them one of the young people said it’s ‘like being a family’.

I asked a young person in one of my sessions what do you want most in life and they said ‘never to be lonely’.

I also run a female inclusive session, called ‘Circle of Sistas’ to include young women and those who identify as. The aim to empower and support each other we have walked round the Bristol light’s show this year, attended Bristol (Young) Women’s Voice sessions and decorated lampshades together.

The support and friendship that was offered in such a short space of time was beautiful to watch as so many suffer from ill mental health and loneliness this gathering showed them quickly how easy taking time out to share a problem left them feeling supported and appreciated by each other and to let go of loneliness even if only for an hour or so.”

– Ria, Participation and Engagement Worker