Tackling loneliness is key theme of Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week

This year’s theme for World Down Syndrome Day is ‘Together against Loneliness’, which can be persistent and deeply isolating for people with Down’s syndrome as well as others with learning disabilities.

Research indicates that loneliness can impact both the mental and physical health of people with learning disabilities, including those with Down’s syndrome, who experience loneliness more frequently and intensely than the general population.

A 2019 report by Mencap, for example, found that people with a learning disability were seven times more likely to be lonely than the general public. This isolation can increase anxiety, depression and stress, and limit opportunities to thrive.

The Down Syndrome Association says that loneliness is a public health and human rights failure that has been a lived experience for too many people with Down syndrome. ‘Together Against Loneliness’, therefore, is a global call to action that challenges all of us to break down the barriers perpetuating isolation.

Loneliness is widespread among people who have Down’s syndrome

Carol Boys, OBE, Chief Executive of the Down’s Syndrome Association, added: “This year’s global theme Together Against Loneliness highlights a pressing truth – loneliness is widespread among people who have Down’s syndrome, and it is preventable. Loneliness is not an individual failing; it is a societal one and the result of systems and environments that exclude.

“This means we have the ability to dismantle it through inclusive education, employment, and community life. Everyone can play their part in addressing this failure. From big policy changes to simple, small things – like a smile, a conversation in the queue for the bus, taking time to listen, making simple changes to the way you do an activity – these can all make a huge difference.”

The charity said that persistent levels of isolation amongst people who have Down’s syndrome result in an inability to form friendships, or to enjoy the opportunity to socialise and feel a sense of belonging from being in an inclusive workplace, school, or community activity. The inability to build and sustain connections with people further increases time spent alone, compounding cycles of exclusion.

Ways to build inclusion

As loneliness happens when people with Down’s syndrome are excluded from schools, workplaces, public spaces or social activities, Down’s syndrome charities worldwide are calling upon politicians, employers, teachers and the general public to create the conditions so that inclusion goes beyond just being present, but is built around enabling people who have Down’s syndrome to forge and maintain meaningful connections with the people around them.

This includes greater and better access to inclusive education, meaningful, inclusive workplaces, and leisure and community activities.

Joe is a member of Our Voice, a network of people who have Down’s syndrome, said: ‘It’s a powerful thing when people see you different from everyone else and chooses to be your friend simply for who you are. When I think about friends from my past and present it makes me feel so appreciative and fortunate for the strength I have in my life…… If you find someone who can ‘ask you are you alright?’, or ‘how are you doing?’ because they sense you are going through tough times, they must be a good friend. They really care for you. Together against loneliness means finding that unified togetherness.”

The date for World Down Syndrome Day – always the 21st of March – symbolises the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down’s syndrome. Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week runs from 16 to 22 March 2026.

Alison Bloomer

Alison Bloomer is Editor of Learning Disability Today.

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