Marmalade Trust

Understanding loneliness, building connection

Marmalade Trust works towards a society where loneliness is recognised and people support one another to make new connections. It treats loneliness as a natural human experience and encourages open conversations to reduce shame and stigma. Its work combines practical opportunities for companionship with Loneliness Awareness Week, training and resources that help people of all ages understand loneliness and find ways to connect. S105

Company on a day that can feel lonely

Christmas Cheer connects people who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone with volunteers and other local people. A shared festive lunch offers conversation and company; doorstep visits provide another option when travelling to a venue is unsuitable. The project works in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. S102

A next step towards connection

Marmalade Connect is being developed as short-term, goal-focused telephone support. The planned approach matches adults with trained volunteers to explore interests, set a realistic connection goal and find activities or opportunities. It is described as lasting up to eight weeks, with the first full programme planned for January 2027. Launch and referral arrangements remain subject to the charity’s updates. S103, S104

Making loneliness easier to talk about

The charity’s wider awareness work encourages people to recognise loneliness and think about connection. Alongside local companionship, this gives its work a broader public reach. S105, S102

A beginning can be small

Sharing a meal, having a conversation or finding a group to try can make connection feel more approachable. Marmalade’s work recognises that people need different routes into company. Its contribution is to create those opportunities, while leaving space for the interests and choices of the person taking part. S102, S103

The detail behind the work

The annual figures cover the whole charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, including work beyond any future Bristol fund allocation. They give context for its scale, rather than showing a project budget or current balances. The spending view follows the filed accounts and the evidence available for that same year. S020