Our work to reduce loneliness

Loneliness is a significant social issue, because not only is it harmful to the wellbeing of individuals, it is also very common. Society pays a high price for loneliness.

If prolonged, loneliness can reduce health and wellbeing dramatically. Loneliness must be reduced to prevent human suffering, first and foremost, but it also generates costs to society. That is why it is cost-efficient to prevent, identify and address loneliness.

We are constantly developing our work to reduce loneliness. We want to reach an increasing number of people who need help and meet the needs of those who ask for help. We also want to raise awareness of loneliness in public debate and among decision-makers.

We monitor the status of loneliness in Finland by commissioning an annual Loneliness barometer and we have joined the Loneliness Network of organisations. The Loneliness Network drafts statements for decision-makers and works together to find solutions to reduce loneliness, among other things.

Friend visitor activities and strengthening friendship skills

We offer a variety of forms of help and support for people who are lonely. We train volunteer friends to spend time with those who feel lonely, and we organise group activities and meeting places both in person and online.

You can look for a friend or support for loneliness through the Red Cross. Volunteer friends offer joy and safety to the lives of lonely people. Tens of thousands of people receive help with loneliness through the Finnish Red Cross each year.  

The Red Cross has been working to alleviate loneliness in Finland since the 1950s.

Friendship also enriches the life of the volunteer friend. Volunteering may be one way to reduce your loneliness and find company.

We have produced the free-of-charge Friendship skills for young people and Friendship skills with the Moomins materials, which can be used to practice interaction skills. The materials have been prepared in cooperation with MIELI Mental Health Finland.