New free online resource for the lonely this Christmas and beyond
We’re launching a support resource for the lonely this Christmas and beyond (December 2025).
We want to hear from organisations, charities and businesses citywide that provide services and are hosting events across the Yuletide and into the New Year.
Citywide online guide
Chloe, our Coordinator, says: “We’re creating a citywide online guide to social activities and gatherings, like non-denominational holiday meet-ups, as well as Christmas lunches, Boxing Day walks, plus listening or support services for people to use if they are on their own this festive break or if they feel isolated and lonely within their own family or friendship groups. We already have a good range of these on our website What’s On section and would like people to use these but would also like to add more and hear from more organisations, charities and businesses who have something to add because we’re better together.
Open to all
“This is open to members and non-members of our Network. We list these services, events and activities, so people can search using their own postcode to find things going on near them and services they can access too. As a Network our role is to collaborate with our members and partners and offer a one-stop signposting resource via our website, we don’t offer activities or support ourselves.
Submit events & support information
“Any organisation wishing to add anything to our online listings should contact us direct before December 19 to be included pre-Christmas. We’ll continue updating the guide in the new year, as we’re very aware from our members how January can be a difficult time for many when the festivities end, especially with lack of daylight and often stretched finances. We understand loneliness isn’t just at Christmas, so we’re launching our guide now and it will then be available all year round.
“By providing this and bringing people together, we hope to help boost positive mental health in Southampton. Anyone interested in adding something to our guide can fill in an online form here or should email me via smhn@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.”
Social Connectedness Campaign
Our activities build on actions from the Southampton Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Strategy.
As well as our Social Connectedness Campaign, which the online guide is part of, we are officially launching a Power of Hello initiative on December 20 – counting down to the city’s first Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day on July 8, 2026.
Power of Hello Campaign
Our Power of Hello Campaign focusses on celebrating good mental health, encouraging social connectedness and promoting the simple yet powerful act of saying ‘hello’ to each other and how important that is. It’ll culminate on July 8 with social gatherings in all corners of the city, at a grassroots level, with an emphasis on meeting and greeting each other.
The citywide Power of Hello Campaign promotes a simple message encouraging residents and those that work in Southampton to connect with others, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.
Get involved
Chloe adds: “We would like as many businesses, organisations, charities, companies and individuals as possible to get involved – even if just in a small way by saying ‘hello’ to someone in the street or making eye contact and sharing a smile on a bus journey. The simple, friendly act of acknowledging another person and their existence could make someone’s day – and yours too – helping boost positive mental wellbeing and improving Social Connectedness too.
“By working collaboratively with awareness raising campaigns like these, we can make Southampton a city where positive mental health and wellbeing thrive.”
Who’s already involved
Among those organisations already involved with the citywide Social Connectedness Campaign, the Power of Hello Campaign and the Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day are:
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The Probation Service
Thank you
Photo taken with thanks to Tim Kenyon Photography and Solent Mind’s Mayfield Garden Centre for providing the venue.