Thousands of people will be coming together to raise awareness on social media and holding events across the world as part of Loneliness Awareness Week. It’s about more than being in the same space as someone – it’s about being connected. In this article, Marmalade Trust offer an insight into how common a feeling of loneliness can be and importance of seeking help.
You’re not the only one feeling this
Living with a bladder or bowel condition can be challenging in ways that aren’t always visible.
Alongside the physical symptoms, it can affect social confidence and how connected someone feels to others. For some people, this might mean avoiding certain situations, feeling unsure about how to explain what they’re going through, or finding it harder to open up.
When a condition carries stigma, it can make things feel even more difficult to talk about.
It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re the only one dealing with it. But that’s rarely the case.
Bladder and bowel conditions are more common than many people realise, and many people experience similar feelings of isolation at different points in their lives.
Why this matters
Keeping things to yourself can sometimes lead to feeling more distant from others.
Loneliness doesn’t always mean being physically alone. It can also feel like being misunderstood, unheard, or unsure how to share what’s going on.
This is something many people experience, especially when navigating something that feels personal or difficult to talk about.
About Marmalade Trust and Loneliness Awareness Week
Marmalade Trust is a UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness and helping people find ways to feel more connected.
Each year, they lead Loneliness Awareness Week, a global campaign that brings individuals, communities, workplaces and organisations together to start conversations about loneliness.
The campaign is built on a simple but important message:
Loneliness is a natural human emotion, and talking about it can help reduce stigma and create connection.
This year’s theme, Acceptance: Giving Loneliness a Voice, on 15-21 June 2026, encourages people to acknowledge loneliness more openly and create space for honest conversations.
For people living with bladder or bowel conditions, this message can feel especially relevant. When something feels difficult to talk about, it can increase feelings of isolation. Creating safe spaces for those conversations can make a real difference.
Giving loneliness a voice
Talking about loneliness or personal experiences doesn’t have to be a big step.
It might be a small conversation, a shared moment, or simply recognising how you feel.
Opening up in ways that feel safe can help reduce stigma, not just for yourself, but for others who may be feeling the same.
Support is available
If loneliness is something you’re experiencing, support is available in different ways.
Marmalade Trust offers resources to help people better understand loneliness and take small, manageable steps towards connection. This includes practical guidance, self-reflection tools, and ideas for building meaningful connections.
👉 Explore the Loneliness Guide
