Broad societal movement against loneliness: results of the 2025 action program and next steps for 2026

Although for the first time in years the percentage of people feeling lonely seems to be slightly decreasing, the urgency to reduce loneliness remains high. About half of adult Dutch people feel lonely (46.2%). The consequences of loneliness can be enormous and lead to psychological and physical complaints.

State Secretary Pouw-Verweij: “It is heartbreaking that so many people, young and old, feel lonely. As a society, we must look out for each other and try to prevent loneliness as much as possible. I find it wonderful to see that with the action program we have set a broad movement in motion. With many organizations, companies, and social initiatives each wanting to do something about loneliness in their own way. Everyone can contribute. No one in our society has to face it alone.”

More societal awareness is one of the spearheads of the action plan. This year, His Majesty the King was present at the national opening of the Week Against Loneliness, where over 800 participants from social organizations, companies from the National Coalition against Loneliness, government officials, experts by experience, volunteers, and professionals came together. Also, during many actions around the December holidays such as Christmas dinners and card campaigns by, for example, the National Elderly Fund, societal awareness is central.

Social organizations and companies play an important role in reducing and preventing loneliness. For example, through collaborations within the National Coalition against Loneliness. This year, you see the cooperation of PostNL and Social Work Netherlands in almost every municipality, where postal workers can report not right signals that social workers follow up on. Companies have also joined hands with social organizations such as the Listening Line and Childrens Postcode Lottery.

The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the Oranje Fonds have financially contributed to about 65 social initiatives focused on preventing, reducing, and alleviating loneliness. This program is extended until April 1, 2028, and the program budget is increased to €4,900,000.

From 2026, the cabinet will focus on further strengthening awareness and taking action, with an annual public campaign and the annual Week Against Loneliness. The broad societal movement will also be further deepened, with stable collaborations between municipalities, care and welfare, education, employers, sports and culture, entrepreneurs, and citizen initiatives. Furthermore, ongoing research will be emphasized so that new scientific insights are incorporated into policy and practice.