Project to tackle loneliness
Published
Tuesday 10 June, 2025
Updated
Tuesday 10 June, 2025
Swale Borough Council has teamed up with the Swale Voluntary Alliance (SVA) to launch a project to tackle loneliness within the borough.
The council awarded SVA £40,000 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to create a coordinated, sustainable, and community-driven response to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing across Swale.
The project aims to:
- raise awareness - promote understanding of loneliness and reduce stigma through public engagement and education
- improve collaboration - interlink existing services addressing loneliness and strengthen partnerships
- increase access to services - create a service directory for loneliness-related activities and services
- be sustainable and leave a legacy - build volunteer capacity, resilience, and sustainability
They will work towards these goals by creating marketing materials, mapping resources, coordinating with other organisations, hosting workshops and campaigns and much more.
The announcement comes during Loneliness Awareness Week (9 - 15 June), hosted by Marmalade Trust, which serves as an opportunity to raise the awareness of loneliness and empower people to make connections.
This year's theme aims to reduce the stigma around this natural human emotion, with up to 18% of adults stating they feel lonely often or always.
The Swale Voluntary Alliance was formed thanks to a grant from the council, funded by the Government’s UKSPF, to help secure the financial stability of the local voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations.
Local charities and other VCS organisations of any size are invited to collaborate with the alliance, share their knowledge, and work together to create a sustainable future for the VCS.
Find out more about Swale Voluntary Alliance on their website.
Cllr Hannah Perkin, chair of the Housing, Health and Communities Committee, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be involved in this exciting project, which aims to make a real, long-lasting impact on the levels of loneliness within Swale.
“This funding will enable the Swale Voluntary Alliance to run campaigns, host workshops, bring organisations expertise and resources together and actively help people dealing with loneliness.
“But what is just as significant is the work the project will do to lay a solid foundation that is both financially sustainable and collaborative that will continue to help the people of Swale for many years to come.
“While loneliness is a very human feeling, we want to help people be able to speak openly about what they are going through and be able to create meaningful connections - and this project aligns perfectly with these important goals.”
Becky Duffy, chair of the Swale Voluntary Alliance, said:
“The Swale Voluntary Alliance (SVA) is proud and enthusiastic to be leading the initiative to tackle loneliness within Swale. This is a highly relevant issue that continues to affect individuals across all ages and backgrounds in our communities.
“The voluntary sector within Swale brings a unique and valuable perspective to this project. Our insight, experience, and trusted relationships place us in a strong position to drive real and sustainable change.
“As we move forward, our approach will be built on laying solid foundations, starting with a comprehensive gap analysis of existing services and identifying where support is lacking. This evidence-based understanding will help shape targeted interventions and collaborative strategies to ensure no one is left behind.
“Our vision goes beyond simply addressing needs — we aim to transform how loneliness is perceived and responded to. Through education, engagement, and community partnerships, we intend to shift the narrative from stigma to support, and from isolation to inclusion. By working together, we can reshape the way loneliness is tackled across Swale, enhancing the well-being of our residents and strengthening the fabric of our communities.”
