Loneliness is felt by a third of 16 to 29-year-olds who report feeling lonely "often, always or some of the time" - the highest of all age groups, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). One community group with branches in Bristol and Bath is working hard to do something about it.
CircleUp aims to help young people meet friends in real life in order to combat the social isolation and loneliness often felt by those living in cities.
It runs weekly in-person events across several UK cities, including Bath, Bristol, London and Cardiff.
"Young people are so cut off and isolated now," said 30-year-old George Webster who lives in Bristol. He joined CircleUp after losing touch with long-distance friends from university.
He said it takes "a huge amount of courage" to get out and meet new people.
