The figures have been released to mark Loneliness Awareness Week, which runs from 15 to 21 June, and highlight the role of physical activity, creative programmes and community-based support in helping people build social connections.

The charity said its initiatives have increased contact with other people and helped reduce loneliness across local communities, with older adults and young people both benefiting from targeted programmes.

Research from the Marmalade Trust, which leads Loneliness Awareness Week, shows that half a million people aged over 65 go at least five days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone. The number of over-50s experiencing loneliness is expected to reach two million by the end of this year, while around 3.9 million older people say the television is their main form of company.

Loneliness is also affecting younger age groups, with 16 to 29-year-olds reported to be twice as likely as those aged over 70 to experience loneliness.

Mytime Active’s Primetime Community and Outreach Project, aimed at older people, has been developed to improve social connection, confidence and wellbeing. Originally funded by Bromley Council’s Innovation Fund, the project has so far reached more than 200 people.

Through the programme, the charity has visited wellbeing and memory cafés, community events and church groups, delivering talks, exercise taster classes and weekly community group exercise sessions.

Almost 70 per cent of participants said the project increased their contact with other people and helped them feel less isolated and lonely, while 59% said they met new people and socialised more.

Ann Wilbourn, Primetime manager at Mytime Active, said: ‘We offered older people new to Primetime a free eight-week membership, which allowed them to attend not only the community exercise classes but the full Primetime programme at any of our leisure centres.

‘The fact that 93 per cent of people who took part felt they benefited and 97% are going to continue to exercise is a great feeling.’

Local resident Danie, 76, said the Primetime line dancing group had become an important source of friendship and support.

She said: ‘I have made so many friends through the Primetime line dancing group. This really came home to me when my husband Richard died.

‘To be honest, I don’t know how I would have coped without my Primetime friends. Our children and grandchildren live in France, so I was completely alone. The care and love given to me by my new line dancing friends made such a difference. Now that I’m living alone, my Primetime routine is crucial to keep busy and to keep moving.’

Helayna Jenkins MBE, community partnerships lead at Bromley Council, said: ‘The Primetime programme makes a lasting difference for the adults who take part, supporting physical and mental wellbeing while strengthening social connections – a vital element of healthy living.

‘It received funding from the Innovation Fund, which plays a crucial role in meeting community needs by enabling exciting, innovative programmes to be delivered by the voluntary and charitable sector across Bromley.’

Mytime Active is also supporting younger people through ArtsTrain, a creative music programme funded by Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation.

Of the 188 young people who took part in ArtsTrain between August 2024 and 2025, 79 per cent said their social skills had increased, while 77% felt more confident.

Participants described the sessions as providing an escape from other stresses, reducing feelings of isolation and helping to increase self-esteem and belief in themselves.

Steve May, CEO at Mytime Active, said: ‘As a local charity focused on helping our local communities live healthier, happier lives, we were shocked to discover that across England almost half of adults say they feel lonely.

‘Long-term loneliness is linked to health risks and even a 26% increased risk of death, so it’s great to see from these results that the work we’re doing is having a really positive impact locally.’

Mytime Active said the findings demonstrate the value of community-based leisure, physical activity and creative programmes in tackling loneliness, supporting wellbeing and helping residents build stronger social networks.