WaveLength is a UK charity committed to fighting loneliness & isolation.
47-51 Norfolk St, Cambridge
Joined November 2010
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Do you find customer service chatbots infuriating?
Going round in circles, feeling misunderstood, or being sent to FAQs that don’t help?
Digital inclusion means everyone can access the support they need, including a human alternative if chatbots fall short.
#DigitalInclusion
“Working to address loneliness can itself be a lonely experience.”
Great to be at the relaunch of the Tackling Loneliness Hub, reminding us we’re part of something bigger.
In this space, collaboration isn’t optional, it’s essential.
#Lonelines #Communities
One year on from the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, progress is real, but so is the gap.
📊 1.6m people in the UK still have no internet
📊 1.7m households lack a device
If ambition doesn’t match the scale of the challenge, too many will remain excluded.
#DigitalInclusion
Humans are wired for connection 🧠. Loneliness isn’t just sad it’s a biological warning, like hunger or thirst. Lack of social support can impact mental & physical health, from anxiety to chronic illness ⚠️.
We need to build a society that fosters connection 🤝 #Loneliness
62% of new parents feel lonely or isolated 👥 @NCTcharity
It’s time we do more — stronger support, better community, and real connection for families. 💛
#NewParents #Loneliness #SupportFamilies
Another study links loneliness to major heart health risks 💔
Chronic loneliness can trigger a stress response in the body, raising blood pressure, heart rate & inflammation. Over time, this strains the heart.
A more connected society is a healthier society ❤️
#Loneliness
Full study: journals.plos.org/plosone/ar…
Good to be back in Parliament yesterday, speaking with MPs about our work and how addressing loneliness can improve health outcomes, strengthen communities, and reduce strain on public services
Thank you to @JimShannonMP and @iqbalmohamedMP for their time and insights.
Loneliness remains at historic highs 📊
ONS data from December 2025: 24% of UK adults feel lonely “some of the time”, “often” or “always”
This is a fourfold increase on than 2019.
We need sustained, coordinated, national action on loneliness. #loneliness #MentalHealth
📱 Check out this phone donation scheme 👇
Refurbishing devices plays a crucial role in tackling digital exclusion.
🔄 Does your workplace have old devices due for replacement?
Get in touch‼️ We’d be happy to ensure they get to those who need them most.
#DigitalInclusion
📱 This year, we’re doubling down on tackling digital exclusion by donating 12,000 phones throughout the year.
💚 We’ll be donating devices via our Community Calling programme with environmental charity, Hubbub, to help people in need get online.
Giving those that need it access to:
- Online services, such as booking medical appointments, finding work or finding somewhere safe to stay
- Being able to stay in touch with loved ones
Find out more: vmo2.co/3YNQrbq
Communities are already tackling loneliness ☕🤝
The Chatty Café scheme shows what’s possible
But loneliness is a national crisis. It needs a national response
We need primary legislation on loneliness
bbc.com/news/articles/c5y5wy…
#Loneliness #Community
❄️ Winter loneliness is real. Cold temps, short days & post-holiday pressures can make January tough for mental health.
👥 Stay connected:
• Reach out with a call or message
• Invite someone for tea/coffee
• Help access local services
#Loneliness #MentalHealth
33% of 16–29 year olds report feeling lonely, compared to 17% of over-70s.
We need coordinated government action, and we must teach children early how to understand and cope with loneliness.
#Loneliness #Community #MentalHealth #Connection
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0k…
Loneliness can put a huge strain on personal finances, public services and the economy.
The Loneliness monetisation report (2020) calculated the cost of severe loneliness to be £9,537 💷
This comes from loss of productivity and wellbeing costs, among others.
#Loneliness
Loneliness is expensive 💷
It strains public services, drains finances, lowers productivity, and holds back economic growth.
To unleash growth, we need to start treating loneliness as the systemic issue it is:
Coordinated strategy + Primary Legislation
🌐 Can AI companions combat loneliness? The answer is… complicated.
New BMJ research shows that while AI can help in structured therapy, relying on chatbots too much may increase loneliness and reduce real-world connections. #Loneliness #MentalHealth
bmj.com/content/391/bmj.r250…
🚨 Loneliness in Britain has quadrupled Since 2019‼️
@ONS data from last month found 24% of UK adults report feeling lonely often/ always
📈This is a fourfold rise from 6% in 2019
This is a public health crisis, putting huge strain on the NHS.
📢 Now is the time to act!
Yesterday, the government published the national youth strategy.
It's backed by £500m to revitalise youth services.
But what will it do to tackle and prevent youth loneliness? And, importantly, what's missing?
🧵 1/
However, there are big gaps:
❌ No focus on the root causes of loneliness
❌ No plan to equip young people with the skills to understand and manage loneliness
❌ No investment in research to understand youth loneliness or develop effective interventions
3/
📢 WaveLength Wants to see:
✅ A cross-government strategy to reduce youth loneliness
✅ Research into the root causes and interventions
✅ Teaching young people skills they need to navigate loneliness
✅ Primary legislation on loneliness
#EndLoneliness