talkRADIO is working with the Marmalade Trust to mark Loneliness Awareness Week on 15-19 June to raise awareness of loneliness and encourage people to speak about it openly through a dedicated audio campaign.

Throughout the week, talkRADIO is running short audio stories, produced by Offside Productions Media, featuring over 20 people who've experienced loneliness, or are experts in the field. In addition, at least one show each day will open up on the topic, using special guests for on-air discussion. The aim is to illustrate how loneliness can affect all sorts of different people, at different times in their lives and how it's not just an issue for the elderly.

Using first-hand experiences, experts and storytelling, listeners will hear from the young mum who felt lonely during maternity leave, the BAME student who left behind her local community and expectations to marry, to study. The business owner who explains how being the boss isn't good for friendships, the man who cared for his wife with dementia, and many more whilst exploring the effect Covid-19 has had on loneliness.

talkRADIO Programme Director Dennie Morris said: “talkRADIO will be the only major broadcaster to cover the issue of loneliness in depth during Loneliness Awareness Week and we’re determined to tackle the full range of effects of this national issue to a cross section of society. Through this project we will also be demonstrating the important role radio has to play in helping to prevent loneliness across the country.”

The project has been awarded funding by the Audio Content Fund, which supports the production of public service programming on UK commercial radio, and encourages content exploring diversity and underrepresented issues.