December is a holiday period that many of us look forward to – we have a chance to connect with friends and family and have fun, but for those who haven’t got family and friends to spend the time with, or who are struggling financially, or even those who cannot take time off work, it can be a really challenging, isolating time of year.
On day 3 of the Knowledge and Library Services Calendar we want to recognise this and highlight resources from our collection, as well as signpost you to some useful websites.
A mindfulness guide for survival – a workbook filled with advice and exercises to help address the ‘Big Six realities’ including loneliness. A mindfulness guide for survival – audiobook A mindfulness guide for survival – e-book |
Surviving lockdown: human nature in social isolation – packed with guidance and coping strategies for lockdown, this book explores the effects of solitude on our relationships, our children, our mental health, and our daily lives, and how to make the best of it. |
10 keys to happier living – contains 10 key evidence-based actions that have been shown to increase happiness and wellbeing – including connecting with others. |
Billy no-mates: how I realised men have a friendship problem – looks at male friendships, emotional connection, and mental health. If the book you want is only available in print, you can ask us to post it either to your work or home address. We can also check whether it is available in eBook format for you. Billy no-mates: how I realised men have a friendship problem ebook |
Secret pandemic: the search for connection in a lonely world by Simone Heng – As human beings, our brains are wired for connection. The feelings of disconnectedness people are facing today-isolation within our families, digital addiction, emotional trauma- hold worrying consequences for our mental well-being. We’ve lost touch with the human tribe we were born into. (available January) |
The poetry pharmacy: tried-and-true prescriptions for the heart, mind and soul – “sometimes only a poem will do. These poetic prescriptions and wise words of advice offer comfort, delight and inspiration for all; a space for reflection, and that precious realization – I’m not the only one who feels like this.” |
Twas the nightshift before Christmas – Adam Kay’s entertaining but thought-provoking hospital diary reminds us of all the people who work through the festive season.
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Let’s talk about loneliness: the search for connection in a lonely world by Simone Heng –
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Working remotely – includes a chapter on how to overcome isolation when you don’t interact in person with colleagues.
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The true antidote to loneliness, this book will teach you the secret.
How do I access BorrowBox?
You can access UKHSA BorrowBox on your computer or use the BorrowBox app on your mobile phone or tablet. To read titles on your UKHSA laptop, you need to ask IT to install Adobe Digital Editions.
When using BorrowBox for the first time you will need to enter your institution (UK Health Security Agency).
Your login is your library catalogue login (the login you use for the library self-issue kiosks and to view your loans / renew your books online). There is some information about your library catalogue account on our website to help you, or please contact libraries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you need any help.
Links to help
For people who are feeling lonely or socially isolated or who want to understand more about how to help others:
About loneliness – Mind – Mind has produced information on loneliness, including a look at the causes of loneliness and how they relate to mental health problems. There are practical tips to help manage feelings of loneliness, and signposts to other places you can go for support.
15 things to do if you’re feeling lonely | Mental Health Foundation – loneliness and social isolation are often thought of as something that affects older people, but the Mental Health Foundation acknowledges that anyone of any age can feel lonely, and in conjunction with Leaders Unlocked have put together 15 tips to help you cope.
Chatty Cafe Scheme UK is “the UK’s leading non-profit organisation tackling loneliness.” They hold face to face and online meetings for people of all ages in venues around the UK. Includes a search function to find a Chatty Café near you.
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Back to 12 Days of Christmas 2023.
