Mental health coach and Life Talks podcast presenter Piers Day has announced a new initiative tackling what he describes as one of the most urgent, yet widely neglected, issues facing young men across the UK — loneliness. With his trademark empathy and straight-talking approach, Piers is now championing support for teenage boys and young men navigating emotional isolation during life’s pivotal transitions.
Figures from the Campaign to End Loneliness reveal that over one in three men aged 16–24 now say they “often or always” feel lonely — a stark increase compared to five years ago. The Office for National Statistics also reports that men in this age bracket are three times less likely than women to access mental health services, even though they experience comparable emotional pressures. Meanwhile, the NHS recorded a 22% surge in A&E visits linked to mental health crises among young men last year, with disconnection and aimlessness flagged as key drivers.
According to Piers, these issues often become particularly severe following periods of academic intensity. “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.
The new initiative provides in-person workshops, online resources, and peer-led coaching designed specifically for young men during transitional phases such as finishing school or leaving university. Piers’ aim is to reintroduce a sense of purpose and emotional grounding through connection, rather than through traditional clinical pathways. “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.
Several case studies have already highlighted the programme’s early success. Tom, 18, had become disengaged and withdrawn after his closest friend moved away. With six weeks of guidance, he is now back at college and volunteering. Jake, 22, was drinking heavily after dropping out of university, but following tailored sessions, he is now sober, has reconnected with family, and is running a small business. Matt, 16, who described himself as “weird” for having no mates after GCSEs, shared: “Talking with Piers made me realise I’m not broken. I just needed someone to listen.”
This latest effort builds upon the popularity of Piers’ podcast Life Talks, where guests open up about family dynamics, anger, trauma, and healing. An earlier episode featuring entrepreneur Jim Francis — which explored the effects of childhood trauma — struck a particular chord with both parents and young people. Piers’ approach challenges the over-reliance on medical solutions. “People don’t always need pills — they need perspective, and someone to help them find it.”
Following his own recent health scare, Piers is now dedicating his time to rolling out the programme in schools, colleges, and community settings nationwide. He is also calling on local groups and institutions 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.”