The Great Friendship Project helps people overcome loneliness in London

An estimated 250,000 Londoners in their twenties and thirties experience persistent loneliness. The Great Friendship Project responds by creating low-pressure ways to meet people: walks, games evenings and silent discos. Founded in 2021, it now has 55,000 community members and is calling for social health to be recognised as a core part of health policy.

The project reports that 73% of regular attendees say its activities reduced their social isolation. 77% say they built friendships through them, while 67% report a stronger sense of community. I attended several events last year and found them fun, welcoming and full of positive energy.

The project began with founder David’s own experience of loneliness and difficulty making friends as an adult. Its growth shows how lived experience can become a practical response for thousands of others. It has also moved into advocacy, helping prompt parliamentary calls for renewed action on loneliness.

One organisation cannot reach everyone. Travel can also be a barrier: my hour-long journey each way made regular attendance difficult. With UK adults aged 25–34 spending an average of over four hours a day on smartphones, more accessible “third spaces” are needed. Government support for affordable community venues and locally led events could help more people build connection closer to home.

Gilbert