Loneliness 2026 Ideas Workshop
Social Innovation Center
2-day event
Prices
Free
Venue
© Region HannoverLoneliness can affect people in a wide variety of life situations—children and adolescents, older adults, family caregivers, people with a history of migration, or individuals going through difficult life phases. It is no longer just an individual feeling, but a societal challenge that requires new solutions.
Following the enthusiastic response to our first “Future Workshop” on loneliness, we are now inviting you to join us for the “Ideas Workshop on Loneliness.” Together with experts, students, volunteers, and engaged citizens, we will spend two days developing new ideas, programs, and services that can strengthen social connections and combat loneliness.
What can participants expect?
The Ideas Workshop is based on the design thinking innovation method. The focus is on the experiences of people who deal with loneliness professionally or personally. To begin, interview guests will share stories from their professional practice and provide insights into different realities of life. Building on this foundation, interdisciplinary teams will develop creative solutions and initial prototypes.
The event kicks off with a keynote address by Mirjam Dierkes, director of the Competence Network on Loneliness, who will present the latest findings and developments on the topic of loneliness.
No prior knowledge of innovation or Design Thinking is required. What matters most is a willingness to get involved and work together on new solutions.
Who is it for?
The ideas workshop is aimed at anyone who wants to actively help shape solutions to societal challenges, particularly:
- Social and healthcare professionals
- Volunteers
- Students
- Employees from municipalities, associations, and nonprofit organizations
- Founders and those interested in social innovation
- Anyone interested in the topic of loneliness
Event Dates
September 3 and 4, 2026 (all day)
Linden City Hall
Lindener Marktplatz 1
30449 Hanover
Participation is free of charge. Refreshments will be provided during the event.
Registration
Space is limited; participation is free of charge. Refreshments will be provided.
The registration deadline is August 26, 2026.
The Ideas Workshop is organized by the Social Innovation Center of the Hannover Region in collaboration with the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband Niedersachsen e. V., the Paritätisches Jugendwerk Niedersachsen, and Serve the City Hannover e. V.
A project sponsored by the Region Hannover and funded by the Zukunftsregion Hannover-Hildesheim
Contact
Raphael von Galen
Hanover Region
Employment Promotion
Department of Economic and Employment Promotion
