The Belonging Gap: Understanding Loneliness and its Impact

23 Jul 2026 09:00 - 10:00
Loneliness is one of the most common experiences in modern life. Despite over 1 in 4 of us affected, it remains is one of the least talked about issues. It's not the same as being alone. Solitude can restore us; loneliness is the absence of meaningful connection, even when we're surrounded by people. It can arrive quietly or suddenly: after bereavement, a relationship breakdown, a move to a new role or city, through illness, or during major life transitions like becoming a parent. The moments that reshape our routines often reshape our sense of belonging too.
Yet despite how widespread it is and how significantly it affects health, performance and retention , loneliness rarely makes it into the room.
This webinar will explore how loneliness shows up in working lives today often hidden, often misunderstood and what individuals, managers, mental health champions, leaders and organisations can do to respond with genuine empathy and intention.
Chaired by: Alison Unsted , CEO , MindForward Alliance
Speakers
- Professor Simon Gilbody , Chair of Psychological Medicine & Epidemiology at the University of York
- Georgie Cox, Founder, Beluga Pods
2 Sessions:
- 9:00am - 10.00 BST (to support APAC and EMEA)
- 15:00 - 16:00 BST (to support EMEA and US)
Member only event: To attend contact vicki@mindforwardalliance.com
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MindForward Alliance is a not-for-profit membership organisation transforming workplace culture into one that supports the mental health of its employees. Using best practices from around the globe, we offer a range of tools and services to support businesses create mentally healthy workplaces.




