Piers Day Launches Nationwide Support Programme to Tackle Loneliness Among Young Men
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Acclaimed mental health coach and Life Talks podcast host Piers Day is launching a groundbreaking initiative to address a deepening crisis: loneliness among teenage boys and young men across the UK. Known for his down-to-earth, empathetic style, Piers is shifting focus to what he describes as a critical — yet frequently ignored — mental health issue.
According to recent figures from the Campaign to End Loneliness, over one in three men aged 16–24 now say they feel lonely “often or always,” a number that has more than doubled in the past five years. Further data from the Office for National Statistics shows that young men are three times less likely than women to seek support, even when experiencing similar levels of emotional strain. Meanwhile, NHS records show a 22% rise in A&E visits linked to mental health in young men, with a lack of connection and purpose cited as significant factors.
Piers points to a gap in support following academic milestones such as exams. “We push boys to work hard and focus on exams, but no one prepares them for the moment after. The structure disappears, peer groups break apart, and suddenly they’re expected to just get on with it, alone. That silence is damaging,” he said.
His new project provides workshops, digital content, and tailored peer support to guide young men through major life transitions. The aim is not therapy, but rather reconnection — helping them rediscover their identity through shared experience. “Loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone. It’s about emotional disconnection, and it can lead to serious mental health consequences if left unaddressed,” he added.
Early signs show a positive impact. Tom, 18, had become withdrawn and was struggling with college life after a close friend moved away. After six weeks of coaching, he is now back in education and volunteering. Jake, 22, was drinking heavily to cope after dropping out of university, but is now sober, has reconnected with his family, and has launched a business. Matt, 16, felt abnormal for lacking friends after finishing his GCSEs. “Talking with Piers made me realise I’m not broken. I just needed someone to listen,” he shared.
The initiative builds on the success of Life Talks, Piers’ acclaimed podcast exploring personal trauma, emotional growth, and recovery. One standout episode with entrepreneur Jim Francis, focusing on how childhood shapes adult behaviour, was especially popular with families. Piers remains firm in his belief that talking — not tablets — is often the key. “People don’t always need pills — they need perspective, and someone to help them find it.”
Following a recent health scare of his own, Piers is now devoting his energy to rolling the project out across schools, colleges, and community centres. He is inviting local groups and organisations to get involved. “This isn’t therapy. It’s something far more basic and more powerful — human connection,” he said. “We need to make it okay for young men to say they feel lost and we need to show them that speaking up is not weakness — it’s the beginning of strength.”