Maggie, I guess loneliness is universal. Big city, little town, it probably doesn't matter. I think some of it is natural and maybe even a good thing, but somehow it seems to be turning pathological lately.
I think creating things together really helps alleviatte the pain for everyone. For that reason, a craft group would probably be extremely beneficial for a lot of people.
When I have been lonely, I have reached out to my writing group and I think it has been good for all of us. All of the writers are older than I and one who was much published died recently at the age of 93. He was my hero. He wrote up until the moment of death and published some work we helped him with just before he died.
I too seem to attract people who need to talk. I meet people on the street and astound my family and friends with what I learn about them in a fifteen minute conversation. People just confide in me. Probably because I listen. I love hearing everyone's story. I learn from them.
smile