Join us for the largest online loneliness conference as we celebrate the people and organisations from across the world who are making a difference. 

In 2018, the UK Government appointed the world’s first minister for loneliness and launched its first loneliness strategy. Five years on, there has been concerted action by government and all parts of society, as well as a global pandemic, that led almost all of us to live in physical isolation and to reflect on the meaning of our relationships.

As we look forward to the #NextFiveYears, let's continue to move the issue forwards. Join us and be part of the global movement. 

Access

If you or your organisation are unable to afford the cost of attending our conference, please email info@campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk as we have a limited number of free tickets available.

Programme

The event will host an amazing list of speakers - experts in the field of loneliness practice and research from around the world - and explore the key issues identified by you. 

10am - Welcome
Welcome to Loneliness: The Next Five Years
 - Paul Cann OBE (Campaign to End Loneliness)

10:05am - Keynote
Who is at most risk of loneliness? Findings from the WCPP Loneliness Inequalities Evidence Review
- Professor Manuela Barreto (University of Exeter) 

10:30am - Panel session
Loneliness inequalities: How organisations are responding
 - Richard Kramer, CEO (Sense)
 - Sam Higgins, EDIB Officer (Re-engage)
- Olivia Field, Head of Policy (British Red Cross)
- Louisa Woods, Co-director (Changes Bristol)

10:55am - In-conversation
Leading politicians in conversation
 - Speakers to be announced shortly

11:25am - Morning break
Musical entertainment
- Details to be announced shortly

11:40am - Morning parallel session 1 of 2
Young people and loneliness: What are the drivers of youth loneliness and how can we address it?
 - Shaun Friel, Director (Childline) 
 - Ed Molony, CEO (University of Salford Students Union) 
 - Molly Taylor, Youth Activist (Alone No More) 
-  Kayleigh Wainwright, Director, Youth Initiative (UK Youth)
-  Lily Verity, Post Doctoral Research Assistant (University of Manchester)

11:40am - Morning parallel session 2 of 2
Tackling loneliness through the built environment: How can we create a spread of inclusive, accessible places that foster social connection?
 - Julia Thrift, Director of Healthier Placemaking (Town and Country Planning Association) 
 - Jennie Savage, Public Realm Project Officer (London Borough Tower Hamlets)
 - Danna Walker, CEO (Built By Us) 
- Dr Lorna Wang, Senior Lecturer in Hospitality Management (University of Surrey)

12:30pm - Lunchtime break
- Project UnLonely showcase, celebrating the power of storytelling in film that give voice to loneliness and represent the many lived experiences. 

1pm - Winning entries from the poster presentation competition
Enter the competition by Monday 4 December at 9am for your chance to present 
- Winning entries will be announced in December, and will receive a copy of Dr Radha Modgil's book Know Your Own Power. 

2pm - Welcome and Afternoon Keynote
The global response to loneliness and leading politicians in conversation
 - Christopher Mikton, Technical Officer (World Health Organization)
 - Further speakers to be announced shortly

2:30pm - Panel session
Tech and togetherness: How can digital tools help to build online and offline connections?
- Lauren Bowes Byatt, Deputy Director (Nesta)
- Shabira Papain, Chief Executive (People Street)
- Lucy Osler, Lecturer (Cardiff University)
- Karen Harris, Founder (StoriBoard) 

3:20pm - Afternoon break
Videos and musical entertainment
- Details to be announced shortly

3:30pm - Afternoon parallel session 1 of 2
The role of arts and creativity in addressing loneliness
- Professor Helen Chatterjee, Professor of Human and Ecological Health (UCL) 
- Jane Rich, CEO (Cambridge Community Arts) 
- Professor Donna Hancox, Academic Lead Research (School of Creative Practice, Australia) 
- Leonardo Bravo, Director of Public Engagement (MoMA)

3:30pm - Afternoon parallel session 2 of 2
Networks and places: Creating a system-wide approach to tackling loneliness
- Su Moore, CEO (Jo Cox Foundation) 
- Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health (East Sussex County Council)
- Mathias Lasgaard, Senior Researcher (Aarhus University)
- Further speakers to be announced shortly

4:20pm - Fireside chat
Lonely narratives: authors reflect on loneliness
 - Dr Radha Modgil, author of 'Know Your Own Power'
-  Kim Samuel, author of 'On Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation'

4:55pm - Closing remarks
Thank you and closing remarks from the Campaign to End Loneliness
- Paul Cann OBE (Campaign to End Loneliness)