Loneliness is more than a feeling. Together with social isolation, it is a growing public health issue here in the UK.
Research has shown that both loneliness and social isolation shorten lives and impact on people’s health and wellbeing – perhaps not directly but certainly through their effect on public health and the undermining of our social fabric.
Despite being thought of as issues that affect largely older people, loneliness and isolation are indiscriminate and can affect anyone – from new mums to those recently bereaved.
While a third of British citizens over the age of 65 say they have no one to turn to, a large proportion of those aged under 25 also feel disconnected from the people around them.
The British Red Cross has been helping to tackle social issues like loneliness for a number of years. Through our dedicated team of volunteers, we offer practical and emotional support to help people live the lives they choose and value.
And now we’re delighted to have teamed up with The Co-op to tackle loneliness for thousands more people in communities throughout the UK.
This innovative partnership was launched in October 2015. Together we aim to raise awareness and launch new services to tackle loneliness and social isolation for those within communities currently receiving the least help.
To this end we’ve focused so far on ensuring we have a sound understanding of where new interventions could make the most difference. We have reviewed existing literature and identified target groups which fit the profile of people supported by both the Red Cross and the Co-op.
Now we are working closely with representatives of these groups in conducting a thorough assessment of their needs. This involves carrying out research with a host of experts and those experiencing loneliness, to look at potential triggers and potential responses. The findings will inform how we can respond.
Meanwhile, the Co-op’s 70,000 employees and five million members across the UK have been busy raising money to fund the new services. Recently it was announced that in just seven months they had raised an impressive £1.5 million. They hope to reach £3.5 million.
And our partnership is also about campaigning. Together with the Co-op, we want to make a long term societal difference to this massive, increasing but under-recognised crisis. So our research will not only inform our decisions on extending and adding to our existing services that tackle loneliness and social isolation, but shape our advocacy plans too.
We’re really excited about our partnership with the Co-op. It means that we’ll be able to reach thousands of people over the next two years. Together we will confront this growing issue – and build more connected communities across the UK.
If that’s not something to feel excited about, I don’t know what is.
Find out more about the partnership.