Pilot directory · Service details checked against published sources 29 October 2026 · Confirm availability directly
Kelloch / Community resource / 01

Connection starts somewhere.

Feeling lonely can make the next step feel like the hardest one. Find local befriending, friendship groups and simple ways to reconnect, without having to figure it all out yourself.

Find support near you Start with one small step
Free to explore. No account needed. Piloting in North Lanarkshire and North Ayrshire.
See the Scottish research behind this resource ↗
Two-area pilotNorth Lanarkshire and North Ayrshire first
Clear about accessSee age limits and referral routes
No pressure, no sign-upExplore at your own pace
30%
North Ayrshire · 2025 survey

Three in ten adults in North Ayrshire reported loneliness at least some of the time during the previous week. This is a survey estimate, not an exact count or evidence of a trend.

Scottish Government source ↗
PILOT AREASNorth LanarkshireNorth AyrshireOther published service leads remain searchable.
01 / Find your people

A place to begin.

Not sure what you're looking for? That's fine. Start with the kind of connection that feels possible, then narrow things down.

What might help?

Choose what feels right for you.

Showing 14 starting pointsPublished-source research · 29 October 2026

Before you contact a service: programme availability, accessibility and referral criteria may change. These are desk-researched leads, not provider-confirmed open places. Your saved services last until this page is closed; print your shortlist to keep it.

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02 / Something worth knowing

Loneliness isn't always about being alone.

You can be around people every day and still feel disconnected. And finding connection isn't always as simple as joining a group or getting out more.

That is why this resource makes room for different starting points, different needs and different kinds of companionship.

The aim isn't to meet everyone. It's to find somewhere you feel welcome.
A gentle place to start

Not ready to contact a group?

You don't have to make a big change today. Pick something manageable and build from there.

Make a simple plan
03 / Practical guidance

Good advice. No lectures.

A few useful ideas from Kelloch's Connection Blueprint approach. Designed to help people move at their own pace, not to tell them how to feel.

Explore Kelloch workshops ↗

Starting somewhere new can feel awkward, especially if you've been isolated for a while. You don't have to walk in confident or know what to say.

  • Ask the organiser what happens on a typical first visit.
  • Find out if someone can meet you at the door or introduce you.
  • Give yourself permission to stay for 20 minutes and see how it feels.

Rather than jumping straight to solutions, ask what sort of contact they'd actually enjoy. Offer to explore one option with them and respect their pace.

  • Try: “Would you rather have someone to chat with, or somewhere to go?”
  • Offer practical help with the first email, phone call or journey.
  • Don't assume age, disability or living alone tells the whole story.

People connect in different ways. Some enjoy busy social groups. Others prefer a regular call, a shared hobby or one steady friendship.

  • Think about the places and activities you already feel comfortable with.
  • Choose the format that feels accessible: in person, by phone or online.
  • Ask about transport, cost and support before committing.

Loneliness can affect wellbeing, but a community directory is not a substitute for clinical support. If you're struggling or need to talk to someone now, Samaritans are available free on 116 123. For urgent NHS advice in Scotland call 111. For immediate danger, call 999.

04 / Take one step

Make it manageable.

Not a big life plan. Just one thing you could try next. Choose an option and save or print it for yourself.

My first step: Find one possibility.

I'll choose one service from the directory that looks interesting. I can save its details without contacting anybody yet.

Research / Scotland 2025

The evidence behind
the connection.

Loneliness is not just about how often people meet. These are official Scottish survey findings, presented with their sources and limitations. We believe good community resources should be open about the evidence.

01 / Loneliness 21%

of adults in Scotland felt lonely at least some of the time in the previous week.

20% in 2024; broadly stable.
02 / Welcoming places 53%

agreed their neighbourhood offered welcoming places and opportunities to meet new people.

Down from 56% in 2024.
03 / Social contact 65%

met friends, neighbours, relatives or colleagues socially at least weekly.

Down from 73% in 2018.
The local picture

Loneliness across selected areas.

Percentage of adults who reported feeling lonely at least some of the time in the previous week. These are estimates for each local authority, not a ranking of communities.

The North Ayrshire 2025 survey recorded 228 random-adult interviews, so estimates have sampling uncertainty. A few percentage points' difference may not be statistically significant. The survey is not designed for reliable comparisons below local authority level.

Important context: Survey fieldwork ran from January 2025 to January 2026 and covers adults living in private households in Scotland. The findings are rounded survey estimates; they do not count every person experiencing loneliness, measure a clinical condition or demonstrate that a particular service will reduce loneliness. Different questions measure different aspects of social connection.

Help us keep this useful

Know a project making people feel less alone?

We'd like to hear about organisations offering genuine opportunities for connection across North Lanarkshire or North Ayrshire. Each suggestion will need checking before publication.

Suggest a service