The Connection Coalition is doing some work to bring together our members who are working on youth loneliness or want to deepen their understanding and capacity to tackle youth loneliness. We know that there are members in the network who have relevant expertise and experience, from grassroots organisations to national organisations, and in consultations earlier in 2021 youth loneliness was one topic which members wanted to convene to address.

To kick this off, we’re holding a conversation on Thursday 16th December, 1:30 - 3pm, for Connection Coalition members and supporters to:

• Increase attendees’ understanding of the issue of youth loneliness by sharing some of the latest research
• Inspire people to take action through sharing examples of local projects and raising awareness of national campaigns including the Great Winter Get Together running 17 - 30th January 2022 (Jo Cox Foundation) and Lonely, Not Alone (The Co-op Foundation)
• Understand some of the barriers community organisations face when tackling the issue of youth loneliness, so we might address them through this project

We will hear from young people, local projects, national research and campaign initiatives, and have some time to discuss what we’ve heard and identify what would help members to better understand and tackle youth loneliness moving forward.

Confirmed contributors include: 

Andy Mortimer, Head of Communications, The Co-op Foundation

Kevin Franks, CEO, Youth Focus North East

Naomi Lea, Founder and Director, Project Hope

Jean Inglis, Volunteer Glasgow

Mohammed Hanif, Advancement of Community Empowerment CIC

Charlotte Hill, Tackling Loneliness Team, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)

Su Moore, CEO, The Jo Cox Foundation

Marianne Quinn, Campaign Manager for the Great Winter Get Together, The Jo Cox Foundation