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The state of friendship for young people in the UK

As a society, we often associate loneliness with older age. Yet today's reality is very different. Young people aged 16 to 24 are now among the loneliest in the UK, with many reporting feelings of disconnection even when surrounded by classmates, colleagues and online networks. The latest evidence shows that around two-thirds of young adults experience loneliness at least once a week, while 70% say it has a negative impact on their mental health. This isn't simply a matter of being alone. It is a lack of meaningful connection, belonging and trusted relationships at a stage of life when friendships should be flourishing. For many young people, the traditional spaces where friendships once formed are disappearing. Rising costs have reduced opportunities to socialise, community spaces have closing, and more social interaction now takes place through screens. Despite being constantly connected online, many young adults report feeling increasingly isolated, with nearly half saying social media makes them feel lonelier. Major life transitions such as leaving school, moving to university, starting work or searching for employment can further disrupt social networks, leaving young people feeling adrift. The result is a generation that is communicating more than ever, yet often feels less known, less supported and less connected than those who came before them. This matters deeply for education. Loneliness affects confidence, wellbeing, attendance, learning and future opportunities. Research cited in the report shows that friendship is not a “nice to have”; it is a protective factor for mental health, resilience and long-term life outcomes. Teachers cannot solve the loneliness crisis alone, but schools and colleges remain some of the most powerful places for connection. Every club, group project, pastoral conversation and inclusive classroom culture can help a young person feel seen, valued and part of something bigger. In a world where friendship is increasingly fragile, those moments of belonging may be more important than ever. To support teachers, teaching staff, school staff and others supporting young people the local authority offer a free 1.5 hour training course on loneliness. This award winning workshop covers loneliness, the impact, and signposting. Please contact Helayna Jenkins MBE, Community Partnerships Lead at Helayna.Jenkins@bromley.gov.uk to attend a course which suits you and your establishment.

What's New on Bromley Education Matters

Welcome to the Bromley Education Matters website, the one stop shop for all Education professionals in Bromley to access information for Bromley education providers. We hope you find what you are looking for and welcome any feedback about the site.

Parents: save time with the GOV.UK app

We would appreciate schools disseminating the following information: The GOV.UK app can help parents stay on top of everyday tasks while juggling family life. Whether managing childcare payments, checking travel advice ahead of family trips, or using our experimental GOV.UK Chat tool to get quick answers, the app makes information easier to find. You can personalise your homepage with the topics most relevant and easily access pages you've visited before, so no need to keep searching for the same information again. Download the GOV.UK app today: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/download-the-govuk-app

SEND Celebrations 2026

We are delighted to invite nominations for the Celebrating Bromley SEND Stars Awards 2026. These awards shine a spotlight on - and celebrate - the children, young people, families, carers, services providers, school staff, teams, individuals and employers who make a meaningful difference to SEND children and young people and their families. The categories for the awards are: Parent/Carer Award — We want to hear about you or someone you know and the amazing things they do to benefit their child or young person with SEND. SEND Star Award — For the individual child or young person with SEND who has blown us all away by achieving something incredible. SEND Champion for Peers and Siblings — Tell us about the often unseen but great things that brothers or sisters, friends and peers do to support other children or young people with SEND in the community, at home or at school. SEND Champion for Inclusion — Tell us about an individual or organisation who have gone the extra mile to promote an inclusive environment or activity for children or young people with SEND. SEND Champion in the Community — For an individual, local business, leisure centre or activity provider who has worked to make life better for families with children and young people with SEND. SEND Champion in the Workplace — For any professional who has gone that extra mile to champion SEND. SEND Champion for Employment — To recognise outstanding efforts and achievements in offering inclusive employment opportunities and offering career development for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Proudest Moment Award — Big or small, this is your chance to tell us about the challenges a child or young person with SEND has overcome that fills you with pride and makes you smile. Lasting Legacy Award — Awarded to an individual or organisation for their substantial and lasting contributions to improving outcomes for families, children and young people with SEND. Please submit your nomination using this form, selecting one or more of the listed categories by Friday 2nd October 2026.

Welcome to the Civic Centre for the Council Supported Interns

We are delighted to celebrate the start of six Council Supported Interns who have begun their internships at the Civic Centre. Over the coming months, the interns will gain workplace experience across a range of Council departments, including Education, Transport, Environment, Planning and Regeneration, as well as within Liberata. This exciting opportunity will allow them to develop new skills, build confidence, and contribute to the important work carried out across the Council. The interns will be supported by colleagues within their departments, alongside dedicated staff from The Oaks Specialist College, who will provide guidance and encouragement throughout the programme. We would like to extend a warm welcome to all six interns and thank the teams involved in supporting them. We look forward to seeing them thrive in their new roles and wish them every success during their internship journey.