Contact the NSPCC Helpline
You can contact our Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing [email protected]
Our voice Helpline is currently available 10am–4pm Monday to Friday, however callers may experience voice distortion due to technical difficulties. You can email [email protected] at any time for free. You don’t have to say who you are.
If we haven't responded to you and your concerns for the safety of a child increase, please contact the police or local Children’s Services directly. Please be assured that we'll action all contacts that our Helpline receives.
18 or under?
Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help.
We're reminding people our Childline and Building Connections services are available for support.
You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing [email protected]
We’re anticipating an increase in contacts from children experiencing loneliness this summer.
Last year, we delivered over 4,500 counselling sessions to young people on the topic, an average of 380 sessions per month. But there was a monthly increase in support provided by Childline about loneliness, with a total of 852 counselling sessions delivered to children and young people in July and August.
The main themes identified in our summer counselling sessions included:
“It’s the summer holidays where I live. I don’t have many people to talk to and one of my friends blocked me online for no reason. It kinda feels like no one likes me.”
— Boy, aged 13
"All my friends are away on holiday or visiting family over summer, so I don’t have anyone to hang out with. I’m feeling pretty lonely right now."
— Child, aged 14
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said:
“The summer months should be a time of freedom and joy for children. Sadly, we are seeing at Childline that it can also be a difficult period for some young people, with loneliness setting in after being cut off from school friends and normal routines.
“Loneliness is a challenging thing to contend with and left unaddressed can start to have a wider impact on mental health and wellbeing. It is very important that children or young people who find themselves in this situation during the school holidays, or any other time of year, understand that support is out there for them.
“As well as speaking with one of our trained Childline counsellors, they can also access our Building Connections service, which helps children to find a path to feeling less lonely. Whatever their worry, Childline continues to be here for young people.”
In addition, we're supporting young people who may be dealing with loneliness through a free online text befriending service called Building Connections.
This service, available to anyone from the age of 9 to 19, matches young people with a trained befriender for 11 sessions, who will help them to build their confidence and to manage feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Our tips for adults to help children and young people who might be experiencing loneliness.
Encourage children to talk about their feelings and listen without judgement.
Gently explore why they might be feeling this way and validate their emotions.
Help children find opportunities to connect with peers through hobbies, clubs, or activities.
Celebrate their strengths and achievements and remind them of the positive relationships in their lives.
Loneliness isn’t something that can be resolved with one conversation. It is important to create an environment of openness where a child can talk to you about their feelings and any struggles they may be facing.
Consider referring them to our online text befriending service Building Connections to support them to navigate these feelings and build on their confidence.
Read our advice for children who are struggling with their mental health and/or loneliness.
Try your best to take part in activities you enjoy, whether that’s playing a sport, listening to music, reading a book, or drawing. Small positive actions really can have a big impact on your mood.
When you are struggling with difficult feelings, it is important to continue to prioritise your basic needs, such as eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of your body can have a positive impact on your mental health.
Whether it’s joining a club, connecting with peers at school, or reaching out to a trusted friend, prioritising socialising can help to reduce feelings of loneliness.
Speak to a trusted adult, a teacher, a friend, or contact Childline. No matter what you’re feeling, you don’t have to go through it alone.
If you’re 19 or under and struggling with feelings of loneliness, consider signing up to our online text befriending service Building Connections.
1. In 2024/25, Childline delivered 4,564 counselling sessions in which young people mentioned loneliness, with a higher than average amount taking place in July (427) and August (425).
