Loneliness is a negative feeling which can emerge when we feel our social relationships are not enough for us. Unfortunately, Ireland has the highest rates of loneliness of all EU countries, and this is bad not just because loneliness is unpleasant, but also because it is a risk factor for poor health outcomes and even for early death. The Loneliness Taskforce Research Network (LTRN) was established in 2023 to bring together researchers in Ireland who are interested in loneliness. Over the course of various outreach events in 2024 and 2025, the network, chaired by Dr Joanna McHugh Power with secretariat support from ALONE, have come to realise the potential value of an event with broad participation to inform and educate about the impact of loneliness and health. Such an event would be critical for many stakeholder groups: health and social care professionals and non-governmental organisations who work with individuals experiencing loneliness, individuals with lived experience of chronic loneliness, researchers, policymakers, and government employees who may be involved in the national response to loneliness. This in-person event will feature loneliness experts to discuss and educate on the health consequences of loneliness, and what can be done to resolve or prevent loneliness and its subsequent effects on health. We will particularly encourage participation from those with lived experience of loneliness and individuals working with individuals experiencing loneliness. The event will be recorded to ensure accessibility and a report will be produced; both recording and report will be hosted on the LTRN website (lonelinessresearch.org). The output will also be used by the LTRN and the Loneliness Taskforce in their ongoing work strategising and campaigning for a governmental response to loneliness in Ireland.
