Understanding the Link between Loneliness and Health

A one-day seminar exploring the links between loneliness and health will take place on 26th May 2026 at the IHREC buildings, Dublin 1. This free event, hosted by the Loneliness Taskforce Research Network and ALONE, features national and international experts on the topic of loneliness and health.

Dr Julie Christiansen (University of Southern Denmark), Dr Ann-Marie Creaven (University of Limerick), Dr Fabian Sweeney (RCSI), Dr Joanna McHugh Power (Maynooth University) and ALONE will all speak. We will also discuss the impact of loneliness on health with experts and advocates from a number of national advocacy organisations (ALONE, Jigsaw, AsIAm, Care Alliance). This event is suitable for to service providers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, government employees, researchers, and anyone affected by loneliness.
Places are limited to 80 attendees, and lunch and refreshments are provided.

Schedule for the day:

9.30am: Coffee, registration, and networking

9.50am: Introduction

10.10am: Dr Joanna McHugh Power, Maynooth University: Defining Loneliness for Health

10.40: Q&A

10.50: Dr Ann Marie Creaven, University of Limerick: Does Loneliness Matter? Understanding the impact of loneliness for health

11.20: Q&A

11.30: Tea and coffee

11.45: Panel discussion with extended Q&A, chaired by Dr Mark Ward, Trinity College Dublin (Panellists: Representatives from ALONE; Jigsaw; AsIAm; Care Alliance)

12.50: Lunch & networking

1.50pm: Dr Fabian Sweeney, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland: Community Pharmacist Perspectives on Social Isolation and Loneliness in Practice

2.20pm: Q&A

2.30pm: Dr Julie Christiansen (University of Southern Denmark): What Works to Reduce Loneliness? Evidence from 40 Years of Research

3.15pm: Q&A

3.30pm: closing remarks

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Host or Publisher Loneliness Taskforce Research Network and ALONE