Friday, December 5, 2025

Nationwide Campaign “Get Fit Against Loneliness!” Launches – Federal Government Sends a Strong Signal for More Connection, Togetherness and Social Cohesion

With the nationwide campaign “Get Fit Against Loneliness!”, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs is sending a clear message of awareness, prevention, and community spirit. The initiative highlights, both online and in public spaces, how widespread loneliness is across all age groups – and how essential it is to actively counteract this trend. The campaign aims to raise awareness, lower barriers and encourage people to build connection through small, everyday gestures.

Federal Minister Karin Prien underscores the social dimension: “Loneliness is a challenge that concerns us all – and that is exactly why we must face it together.” She emphasizes that everyday openness, brief encounters and genuine interest not only support others but also strengthen one’s own emotional wellbeing. Loneliness, she notes, is a warning signal that must be taken seriously before it becomes entrenched and burdens individuals long-term.

The campaign highlights three relatable everyday situations that demonstrate how easily connection can arise:

1. Encounters in the stairwell: A quick exchange or a heartfelt “How are you?” creates spontaneous closeness and reinforces a sense of home and belonging.
2. Spending time together: Undivided attention, genuine listening and interest form the basis for understanding – and from understanding, relationships grow.
3. Meeting new people: Those who openly approach others create space for new friendships, often in unexpected places.

Loneliness can affect anyone – at home, in a new city, at university, or at work. It hinders participation, burdens individuals and can impact one’s health. Yet the campaign’s message is clear: loneliness is not a predetermined fate. Social cohesion grows through connection, togetherness and mutual attention.

The initiative is being launched within the framework of the new Alliance Against Loneliness, which will officially begin in June 2026 with the action week “Together Out of Loneliness.” Within this alliance, the federal government, states, municipalities, associations, academia, civil society, business and the healthcare sector are combining forces. Their joint goal is to prevent loneliness, support affected individuals and make concrete assistance more visible.

At the heart of the alliance is the Competence Network Loneliness (KNE). It conducts research, connects key stakeholders and provides a comprehensive map of support services for people in diverse life situations. In doing so, the Alliance Against Loneliness establishes a sustainable structure that responds effectively to a pressing social challenge.