10:05, 04 August 2025
Words by Zane Dedlow, Videographer and Content Creator, London
Many people across the UK have experienced loneliness with data suggesting it affecting at least 1 in 4 people across the country. However, as society becomes more and more online, making human connections seem to be increasingly important.
The Great Friendship Project, a nonprofit community organisation, began with founder David’s search for connection. Since 2021, 73% of regular attendees found the organisation’s activities have helped reduce their social isolation, with 77% of participants having succeeded in building friendships.
This demand demonstrates that there is a need for in-person events and the nonprofit now runs 2 to 4 events a week across London, and over 45,000 people have taken part so far
Around International Day of Friendship Smiley News joined in at their Hyde Park get-together, a vibrant summer picnic where participants played games, talked and shared food.
Watch our video below to learn more about David’s mission:
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Great Friendship Project. This is a non-profit organisation that aims to combat loneliness amongst young people and build real human connections. Find out more.
The Friendship Foundation. This is a US-based charity that provides support for families with children and young adults, ages 8-35+, who live with disabilities. All programmes are designed to foster a welcoming atmosphere and build connections. Learn more here.
Age UK. One of the UK’s best known charities has a friendship helpline service along with partner charity The Silver Line. This service allows older people to have a friendly phonecall from the comfort of their home. Support them here.
