Loneliness is a deeply topical issue – and more and more people are asking, “What can I do to help?”
In January 2018, the UK government appointed a Minister for Loneliness to help address this growing concern. In Suffolk alone, around 40,000 people are believed to feel lonely (Mike Hennessey, Suffolk County Council Director of Adult and Community Services). And loneliness doesn’t discriminate – it can affect anyone, from children and teenagers to parents, neighbours, grandparents and great-grandparents.
The impact of loneliness on health
The effects of loneliness and social isolation are far more than emotional – they are physically harmful too. Research shows that chronic loneliness can be as damaging to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (Holt-Lunstad, 2015), and it can have as great an impact as obesity.
We must do more. And the good news is, there are things we can all do.
Inspiring ways people are already making a difference
Here are just a few positive schemes making a real impact across the country:
- Compassionate Frome – an innovative project launched by Dr Helen Kingston, which identifies patients who are lonely and connects them with local support networks. The results have been powerful – for every £1 invested, the NHS saves £6.
- Age UK – a national charity running a wide range of campaigns and support services to combat loneliness in older adults.
- GoodGym – a brilliant initiative where volunteers combine fitness with kindness by running to visit isolated older people.
- Meet Up Mondays (MUM) – a growing movement of local groups that offer a welcoming space for anyone experiencing loneliness. Many are now running in and around Suffolk.
What can you do to make a difference?
You don’t need to start a nationwide campaign – small, everyday actions can have a huge impact on someone’s wellbeing:
- Visit a friend, neighbour or family member who lives alone – even just popping in for a chat over a cuppa makes a difference.
- Turn off the TV and talk over dinner.
- Pick up the phone – don’t rely on messaging alone.
- Take time off social media and reconnect with people face-to-face.
- Help spread awareness by using hashtags like #EndLoneliness.
- Join a befriending scheme and give the gift of your time.
If you’re organising care for a loved one
In the care industry, we see both ends of the loneliness spectrum – some people consumed by it, others unaware of the toll it’s taking. If you’re putting a care package in place for a relative, don’t forget the social side:
- Factor in time for meaningful conversation and companionship when arranging home care.
- Explore local groups or schemes, such as those mentioned above, to see what might suit your relative’s interests and personality.
What I do – and why it matters
I’ve become very mindful of loneliness and what it means for the people around me. I make it a priority to look after those who might be vulnerable to it – especially my Nanna. I drop in before work once a week and always make time at the weekend for a proper visit. If I can’t go, I check in with family to make sure someone else can.
What change can you make today?
Think about what small shift you can make in your routine to brighten someone else’s day. It could be a call, a visit, or simply checking in.
Most importantly – take action.