Loneliness case studies

A series of case studies on how councils are addressing loneliness.

Loneliness and social isolation is a growing problem. According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, 45 per cent of adults experienced bouts of loneliness before the pandemic. Some five per cent described themselves as often or always lonely. It is an issue that does not just affect older people either, with problems reported among young adults and children.

And COVID has just made the situation worse because of the prolonged periods of lockdown and restrictions disrupting the social networks people rely. This is having an impact on people’s health – both mental and physical.

Councils are at the forefront of tackling loneliness and isolation. Using their knowledge of their communities to lead projects, bring together local partners and support people directly.

We have collated different best practice examples including how a library service is keeping people connected and innovative programmes developed to address digital exclusion. The one thing they all have in common though is the ability of councils to harness the strength of local assets – the people, the organisations and the businesses – to address this problem.

Middlesbrough: making it easier for people to access services and activities

A Big Lottery funded programme aimed at tackling social isolation has been running in Middlesbrough for the past seven years. It has helped to fund a range of different activities across the borough for the over 50s. To help people access these activities, extra support has been put in place to make it easier for people to get out-and-about by working with public transport providers and businesses to create an age-friendly environment.

Stockport: helping the digitally excluded

An alliance bringing together the public, private and voluntary sectors has been supported by Stockport Council to help tackle digital exclusion. Local residents have been trained to become “digital champions” and a dedicated helpline and a device lending library set up. Since the programme started in 2018 thousands of residents have been helped improve their digital skills, reduce the risk of isolation in the process.

London Borough of Waltham Forest: using social prescribing to combat loneliness

The London Borough of Waltham Forest set up a social prescribing service five years ago. The team works with primary care in the NHS and community groups across the area to link people in with activities and support. Loneliness is one of the most common reasons for a referral. But thanks to the support being provided residents are being helped to learn new skills and take part in a variety of activities, reducing isolation in the process.