Work to address loneliness across Bromley has been formally recognised in the New Year Honours, with the council’s Loneliness Champion awarded an MBE.
Helayna Jenkins has received the honour for services to tackling loneliness. She joined Bromley Council in 2022 as its first Loneliness Champion and has since led a borough-wide programme aimed at reducing isolation among residents of all ages.
The award follows the council’s decision in 2019 to make loneliness a strategic priority. That commitment led to the launch of Bromley’s Tackling Loneliness Strategy in 2022, which set out a multi-partnership approach involving voluntary groups, statutory services and community organisations.
More than 200 voluntary organisations, partners and stakeholders were involved in shaping the strategy during its development, reflecting widespread local support for coordinated action on loneliness.
Momentum continued in 2023 with the council’s Tackling Loneliness Summit, which brought together community groups, agencies and individuals to support what the council describes as a nationally and internationally leading initiative.
Councillor Diane Smith, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health, said the recognition was richly deserved.
“We are absolutely delighted with this fantastic news for both Helayna herself as well as the borough and its residents, that the groundbreaking work she has been championing has now been formally recognised in such an amazing way,” she said.
“Well done Helayna, and thank you once again for bringing the scheme and its vision to fruition in the way that you have. Seldom has an award been as well deserved in my opinion.”
She added that loneliness remains a significant challenge, affecting people of all ages, and praised the contribution of voluntary groups and partners who have worked alongside the council.
“I would take this opportunity to extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to all of them as well,” she said. “It really has been a fantastic team effort.”
Initiatives delivered under the strategy include funding an online directory featuring more than 1,000 local activities and groups, designed to help residents and frontline professionals identify opportunities for social connection.
The council has also rolled out training to help staff recognise people at risk of loneliness and support them effectively, alongside a Christmas card scheme that has seen more than 12,000 cards created by young people and delivered to residents experiencing isolation over the past three years.
Other measures include working with Bromley libraries to host groups and activities, and funding projects through Friends of Parks groups via the Bromley Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund.
Since the programme began, data from the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework for 2024–25 shows Bromley has risen to first place among London boroughs for the proportion of residents who say they have as much social contact as they would like.
Further information about Bromley Council’s work to tackle loneliness, along with support and resources, is available via the council.
