Laura Makey, Senior Lecturer, Sheffield Hallam University (CONFIRMED)

• An overview of the national strategy on loneliness, key achievements to date, and lessons learned from cross-sector collaboration.
• Understanding how the government can work effectively with public services, charities and communities to design and deliver meaningful interventions and improve social connection across all age groups.
• Exploring current policy developments, funding streams, and the importance of data and lived experience in shaping responsive approaches.
• Ensuring loneliness remains a priority in the face of competing demands.

Paul Davies MP, Co-Chair, All Party Parliamentary Group on Tackling Loneliness and Connecting Communities (CONFIRMED)

• Understanding the different types of loneliness and the scale and impact of adult loneliness in the UK
• The importance of developing a system-wide response that integrates public services, housing, urban design, workplaces, and community development.
• Examining why a multi-agency, cross-sector approach is essential to tackle loneliness effectively.
• Highlighting examples of successful joint initiatives that are having a measurable impact.
• The  importance of creating supportive, inclusive neighbourhoods that nurture meaningful relationships.

Andrea Wigfield, Director, Centre for Loneliness Studies and The Campaign to End Loneliness, Sheffield Hallam University (CONFIRMED)

• Tackling adult loneliness through strategic commissioning.
• Assessing local needs to shape effective, preventative loneliness services.
• Exploring the commissioning process: priorities, partnerships, and practical challenges.
• Understanding how co-production with local communities and service users informs service design.
• Measuring outcomes and monitoring and evaluating impact
• Embedding loneliness prevention into broader local strategies and systems.

Helayna Carole Jenkins, Principal Loneliness Champion, London Borough of Bromley (CONFIRMED)

• • Identifying  and supporting people experiencing chronic loneliness across different age groups.
  • Exploring how a small charity/collective has created scalable impact through strategic partnerships and local engagement.
  • Understanding the importance of raising awareness and reducing stigma through initiatives like Loneliness Awareness Week. (NB only use this bullet if Marmalade Trust speak at this is their initiative).
  • Discovering the key components of effective loneliness interventions: trust-building, person-centred support and sustained connection.
  • Working alongside public sector services and funders to complement statutory provision.
  • Key challenges and enablers in delivering grassroots solutions, from funding to volunteer coordination.

  Amy Perrin, Founder and CEO, Marmalade Trust (CONFIRMED)

• • How social prescribing is being used across the UK to address adult loneliness.
  • Exploring the evidence base: what we know about outcomes, impact, and good practice.
  • Understanding the role of link workers in connecting individuals to community-based support and activities.
  • Examples of successful social prescribing models and partnerships with the voluntary sector.
  • How personalised, non-clinical interventions can build confidence, connection and wellbeing.
  • Embedding social prescribing within wider health and wellbeing strategies.

  Monica Boulton, Strategic Lead for Healthcare Integration & Neighbourhood Health, National Academy for Social Prescribing (CONFIRMED)

This is a chance to share and discuss the advantages and challenges of cross-sector collaboration in addressing loneliness and building connected communities . Discover how peers across different sectors are tackling these issues and gain fresh insights  to apply in your own communities.

• Presenting findings from the largest global study of its kind on loneliness, with over 50,000 respondents across five countries.
• Reframing loneliness as a systemic social and economic issue which requires business-led, system-wide solutions.
• Emphasising the business case for tackling loneliness: driving employee wellbeing, consumer loyalty, and sustainable commercial growth, while delivering social impact.
• Sharing case studies from organisations that are using hospitality spaces and digital platforms to foster meaningful connections.
• Exploring opportunities for businesses to design environments and products that support both positive solitude and social belonging.
• Discussing how businesses can transform their workplaces and consumer experiences to address relational and collective loneliness, the most commonly reported forms of loneliness

Professor Pamela Qualter, Professor of Psychology for Education, The University of Manchester and Global Expert on Loneliness (CONFIMRED)

• Why marginalised groups, including disabled people, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, refugees and carers, face higher risks of loneliness.
• The intersection of loneliness with poverty, discrimination, mental health, and social exclusion.
• The importance of culturally competent, inclusive services tailored to specific community needs.
• Examples of local initiatives and partnerships that have successfully reached underrepresented groups.
• The role of trusted community organisations and grassroots leaders in building connection and belonging.
• How public sector bodies can improve outreach, co-design and co-production with marginalised communities.
• Barriers to access,  including digital exclusion, stigma, and lack of transport, and how to overcome them.
• Actions public sector leaders can take to ensure no one is left behind in loneliness prevention strategies

Andrew Wileman, Assistant Director, The Salvation Army Older People’s Services Team and Chair, International Older People’s Collaboration Network and Policy Lead, Loneliness and Isolation (CONFIRMED)

Chris Frederick, Mental Health Advocate and Lived Experience Advisor, Advisory Board, Campaign to End Loneliness (CONFIRMED)

Lawrie Roberts, Pride in Ageing Manager, LGBT Foundation (CONFIRMED)