From today through October 1, it's the Week Against Loneliness. Under the motto 'Come with it!', civil society organizations, social services, care facilities, volunteers, and engaged citizens across the Netherlands highlight their vital work combating loneliness—affecting over one million Dutch people.
Loneliness and social isolation have never been more visible. Mounting evidence shows their profound negative impacts on well-being and health, including elevated health risks, diminished societal participation, and higher chances of premature death. Those experiencing intense loneliness often feel less happy and hold more negative views of others or themselves, making action against it both urgent and essential.
During this week, social organizations, care providers, volunteers, and citizens host hundreds of local activities to help those with limited networks form new ties and strengthen existing ones. Schoolchildren visit nursing homes, seniors play walking football or join golden dances, and neighborhood centers lay out communal lunches. Conferences unite policymakers and experts from welfare, healthcare, and housing to exchange insights and build partnerships. In 38 dedicated workshops, volunteers gain practical tools to spot loneliness and spark meaningful conversations.
