Spotlight: The Lonely Club

How did you come to launch The Lonely Club?

"I launched The Lonely Club in 2023 while completing my MA in Journalism, where I focused on the loneliness epidemic among young people in the UK, which was exacerbated by the pandemic. Through my research, I noticed a lack of space for young people to openly share their lived experiences of loneliness, as well as limited awareness that those aged 18–31 are actually the most affected age group.

"I initially created The Lonely Club as a social media page to share my own experiences and help others feel less alone. This then grew into monthly in-person meet-ups in London, held on the first Sunday of each month as an intentional way to begin the month with connection. The meet-ups are designed to be low-pressure and flexible, with optional activities and no expectation to stay for the full session.

"During this time, I also discovered I am neurodivergent and was diagnosed as autistic and ADHD, which helped make sense of many of my experiences of loneliness. This shaped my desire to create inclusive, low-stakes social spaces for people who don’t always feel comfortable in conventional social settings, including those with social anxiety.

"This led me to apply for funding to run a six-week pilot of The Lonely Club in Brighton, creating a welcoming 'third space' for young people seeking connection in a more accessible and gentle way."

The Lonely Club includes a six-week course of events. Please tell us what this will involve.

“The six-week programme is designed as a gentle, low-pressure series of Sunday sessions, with each week centred around a loose theme rather than a fixed agenda. The emphasis throughout is on meeting people where they are, with no expectation or pressure to participate in activities or socialise in a particular way. Participants can arrive late, leave early, join in briefly, or simply sit quietly.

"Each session begins with an optional introductory stroll, offering a soft way to ease into the space and connect alongside others without the pressure of direct conversation. Following the walk, participants are welcomed into a calm, inclusive indoor space with optional activities that support different comfort levels and energy needs.

"Weekly activities are always optional and may include creative prompts (such as community doodle sheets, mindful collage or colouring), conversation cards, journaling, book or skill sharing, and quiet reflection areas. There is also space for participants to take breaks, spend time alone, or engage non-verbally."

The weekly themes are:

•    Week 1 – Welcome & Gentle Icebreakers
•    Week 2 – Creative Calm
•    Week 3 – Reading & Reflection
•    Week 4 – Micro-Connections
•    Week 5 – Skill Swap Sunday
•    Week 6 – Celebration & Reflection

"The consistent structure across the six weeks helps create a sense of safety and familiarity, while the flexible format ensures the space remains accessible to young people who may experience social anxiety, loneliness, or discomfort in conventional social settings.”

Why do you think there is a need for this kind of connection and wellbeing building in Brighton & Hove?

"There is a clear need for this kind of connection and wellbeing-building in Brighton & Hove, particularly for young people and neurodivergent adults.

"Local health and wellbeing data shows that young adults (especially those aged 18–34) report higher levels of anxiety and lower wellbeing, and that people who are neurodivergent or experiencing mental health challenges are disproportionately affected. While Brighton & Hove is often viewed as a socially vibrant city, many young people still experience loneliness and struggle to find spaces that feel genuinely welcoming and accessible.

"There is also a growing lack of free, non-commercial 'third spaces' for young people. With the cost-of-living crisis, many social environments are centred around spending money, which can be a significant barrier to connection. For those with social anxiety or sensory sensitivities, these settings can also feel overwhelming or exclusionary.

"This highlights the need for free, low-pressure spaces that prioritise choice, accessibility and emotional safety. The Lonely Club responds directly to this gap by offering a free, inclusive space where young people can connect - or simply coexist - on their own terms."

What do you hope participants will gain from attending these events?

“I hope participants gain a sense of belonging and reassurance that they are not alone in how they feel. At its core, The Lonely Club aims to normalise loneliness and reduce the shame that often surrounds it, particularly for young people.

"Rather than focusing on outcomes like 'making friends' or forced social connection, the intention is for participants to leave feeling a little more at ease around others, more confident in being themselves, and more comfortable in shared spaces. For some, this may look like gentle conversation or creative participation; for others, simply being present in a welcoming environment is enough.

I also hope participants gain access to a consistent, safe 'third space' where they feel accepted without pressure, and where their needs, boundaries and energy levels are respected. Over time, this can help build trust, routine, and a greater sense of agency around social connection - on their own terms.”

What would you say to anyone who was thinking about trying out the first session?

“I would say that there is absolutely no pressure to be a certain way, talk to anyone, or take part in anything unless you want to. You can come along for five minutes or the whole session, join the walk or skip it, sit quietly, read, doodle, or simply be in the space.

"The first session is designed to be gentle and welcoming, especially for anyone who feels nervous about turning up somewhere new. You don’t need to prepare anything or bring any expectations with you — just yourself, exactly as you are.

"If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit into typical social settings, or that loneliness is something you carry quietly, this space is for you. You’ll be met with kindness, understanding and the freedom to engage at your own pace.”