A new YouGov poll commissioned by suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) reveals that one in three UK adults aged 18–24 regularly feels lonely. Released ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (12th–18th May 2025), the survey highlights an alarming trend: 52% of UK adults experience loneliness, rising to 72% among 18–24-year-olds. Higher rates are also seen among women (57%), full-time students (74%), LGBTQ+ individuals (70%), and those in lower social grades (56%).
This year’s Awareness Week focuses on community, and CALM’s research underscores how belonging to a group can be a powerful defence against loneliness. Adults who regularly engage with a club or community are significantly less likely to feel lonely (39%). Among those who feel connected to a group, 63% reported a strong sense of belonging, 43% noted improved mental health, and 26% said they had received support in difficult times. For 18–24-year-olds in particular, joining clubs expanded their social circles (55%) and increased confidence (51%).
To support this, CALM has expanded its CALM Clubs initiative, which now partners with 275 clubs across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. These clubs offer a wide range of activities – sport, music, arts, well-being, education, employment services, and even prison outreach. From futsal and saxophone ensembles to parkour and coffee mornings, CALM equips clubs with free resources to help foster inclusive, supportive environments. Clubs can sign up for free tools via thecalmzone.net.
Rugby star Joe Marler and Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas are leading the campaign. Marler shared: “Some of the loneliest times of my life have been on the rugby pitch surrounded by tens of thousands of people. A sense of belonging isn’t maths, it’s not about how many people you’re in a room with, it’s about connection and knowing there’s a group you can lean on, laugh with and sometimes cry with. Whether you’re in a club already and want to make sure you’re showing up for your members, or if you haven’t got a clue where to start, CALM, as always, have got your back.”
Ballas said: “Being part of the dance community has not only given me endless joy and opportunities, but also unending support. There is such beauty in connecting with a group of people over a shared passion. I wholeheartedly support the brilliant work CALM is doing to help people in taking their first steps to finding their own communities, as well as equipping those that already exist with potentially life-saving tools. We are facing a loneliness epidemic right now, and this might just be the answer. And I’ll be making it my personal mission to see the first dance group sign up to CALM Clubs this Mental Health Awareness Week!”
Yet 61% of people say they do not feel part of a group or are unsure, with 35% citing social anxiety as a barrier. Among 25–44-year-olds, this figure rises to 45%, while 26% of 18–24-year-olds fear rejection. In response, CALM has launched online resources called “How to feel a little less alone”, offering practical tips to encourage connection. These include going outdoors, listening to familiar shows, making small future plans, and engaging in “micro connections” like saying hello to a stranger.
Wendy Robinson, CALM’s Director of Services, said: “CALM’s research shows that you aren’t alone in feeling lonely. When you’re feeling isolated, making that first step to find your community can feel like a mountain to climb. A sense of belonging starts with you, knowing that you’re not alone and there’s support out there to help you find that connection.”
CALM also offers a suicide prevention helpline and online mental health support.
