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About us
Raising awareness of loneliness and encouraging connection
Who we are
Marmalade Trust is an award-winning loneliness charity for all ages, dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness and supporting people to find new social connections. Since 2013, we have directly helped thousands of people and have reached millions more. Our mission is simple: to create a society where we recognise that loneliness exists and support each other to make new connections.
What we do
Marmalade Trust supports people experiencing loneliness in three ways:
Connection projects
Marmalade Connect is a short-term, phone-based service supporting adults experiencing persistent loneliness to make meaningful new connections. Over up to eight weeks, project members are matched with a trained volunteer who helps them build confidence, explore what connection means to them, and take practical steps towards reconnecting with others.
Christmas Cheer brings joy and companionship to people who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day. Guests enjoy a festive lunch at a local restaurant and receive a hamper full of gifts. For those unable to leave home, volunteers offer doorstep visits to share warmth and connection.
Community Christmas connects people who might otherwise spend Christmas Day alone with local organisations hosting festive community events. We also provide support and guidance to individuals and organisations who would like to set up their own Community Christmas Day lunch.
Awareness campaigns
We launched Loneliness Awareness Week in 2017 to raise awareness of loneliness and reduce the stigma around talking about it. Each June, the campaign brings together communities, schools, workplaces and policymakers across the UK and around the world, encouraging conversations about loneliness and creating opportunities for connection.
By making loneliness easier to talk about, we’re helping to create a society where people feel seen, supported and connected.
Training and resources
We host webinars, deliver training and share practical guides to help people better understand loneliness, how it can affect us, and ways to build meaningful connections in everyday life.
Since launching our training in 2022, hundreds of people have taken part, helping to build greater understanding and more connected organisations across the UK.
Why we started
Marmalade Trust was started in 2013 by healthcare professional Amy Perrin. Through the nature of her work, Amy was always aware of loneliness and she wanted to do something to change the stigma around it and help to build a more connected society. Since we launched we have directly helped thousands of people and have reached millions more. We have a unique way of talking about loneliness, recognising that loneliness is a natural human emotion that we will all experience at some time in our lives.
What is Marmalade's mantra?
Loneliness is completely normal – we are human beings who need social connection to survive! There is nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. Whatever your experience of loneliness is, there are always things you can do or support available to help you feel more connected.
Who's talking about us?
We have received press coverage from major UK local and national TV and radio channels: BBC Breakfast, LBC, Talk Radio, BBC Bristol, BBC News, ITV News as well as international media such as Bloomberg and news channels in Japan, Australia and New Zealand. We have been featured in national newspapers such as The Guardian, The Telegraph and the Daily Mail.
How we're different
As pioneers in loneliness, Marmalade’s approach is approachable, warm, practical and inclusive. With over fifteen years of expertise and experience working in the field of loneliness, we focus on the people first and always honour the positive value of the human experience. At Marmalade Trust we like to think of ourselves as a family, a unique community-based charity with a global reach!
Why the Marmalade Trust?
The name was actually inspired by Paddington Bear! As a child, Amy's teddy bear was her ‘buddy’ who came along and kept her company. We believe a teddy bear is your first friend, the one you tell all your stories and worries to. We also admire the qualities of Paddington Bear: friendly, proactive and who has a smile and a hello for everyone. These are the pillars on which the charity is built (as well as Paddington and Amy’s fondness for getting people together over food).
How to get involved...
From sponsored runs to cake sales, fundraising is a brilliant way to support our charity.
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