With an increase of over half a million people feeling lonely all or most of the time, it is important to look at what support is available for people struggling with loneliness this new years.
A total of 3.83 million people are struggling with loneliness according to data from the Office for National Statistics, analysed by the Campaign to end loneliness.
From this data, it has also been revealed that the under 30 age group are twice as likely to suffer with chronic illness than those over the age of 70.
Comparing this data to that during the first year of the pandemic, there has been a 1.1 percent increase in those experiencing loneliness often or always.
Chronic loneliness is defined by mental health charity Mind as "a deep feeling of loneliness that goes on for a long time. You may be around others and still feel like you are alone."
When experiencing loneliness, it is not a one size fits all experience. Each person that is struggling loneliness will have their own experience.
Alongside chronic loneliness, people can also experience the following types of loneliness: emotional loneliness, social loneliness and existential loneliness. Each of these loneliness types can be triggered by different events.
Sandra Vaughn, Chief Executive at Black Country Mental Health spoke about the impact of being alone for New Years celebrations can have: "On the television [New Years] is all about parties and seeing fireworks... but there are a lot of people [that] if they're on their own, that can be a really lonely.
"There can be an element where people feel they've been forgotten."
Ms Vaughn added: "We've had people contact us, but they have not said they are feeling lonely, what they've said is, I want to talk to somebody.
"That really relates into feeling isolated."
Loneliness can also lead to an increase in mental health conditions appearing such as anxiety and depression, according to the Mental Health Foundation. People's quality of sleep can be affected if they are struggling with loneliness.
Katherine Danley, a Clinical Social Worker described some of the contributing factors towards loneliness: "[There are] two reasons for Gen Z's loneliness - overstimulation and social media... They are overextended and distracted by work, social media, future plans and personal growth.
"Social media and meeting friends online can cause loneliness as well. People are not as willing to meet new people face to face."
Ms Delaney added: "A way to prepare for holidays [such as new years] is using less social media and internet in general."
For urgent support where it is an emergency call 999.
If you need urgent support with your mental health but it is not an emergency call 111 or message NHS 111 online.
For support with your mental health call the Samaritans on 116 123, text SHOUT to 85258.
If you are under 19 you can call Childline on 0800 1111.
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