Loneliness Awareness Week (12 – 18 June) is an initiative by the Marmalade Trust, which aims to raise awareness of loneliness across the UK and beyond.
According to research, 85% of UK adults have experienced loneliness within the last 12 months.[1]
To mark this important week, the experts at leading online training provider High Speed Training have shared some tips on how to identify the problem and help someone experiencing loneliness.
Loneliness refers to the state of being alone or the perception of being alone and isolated. This can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health.
Ellie Collier, Health and Social Care Learning and Development Manager, at High Speed Training said:“Loneliness has many different causes that vary from person to person. For some people, it may be a life event that has made them feel lonely, whilst others may feel lonely at certain times of the year. It is important to note that feelings of loneliness can change over time and depending on the circumstances.”
Some common causes of loneliness include:
Ill Health
Changing job, school or working from home
Living alone
Family or relationship issues
Issues around self-esteem
Mental health issues
Age – older people can be at particular risk of loneliness
Bereavement
Discrimination
Loneliness can lead to a myriad of health problems, especially if it is undetected. Problems can include depression, a loss of appetite, insomnia or the development of unhealthy habits.
What are the Symptoms of Loneliness?
Some feelings you might have when lonely include feeling like nobody needs or wants you and feeling like you don’t have any meaningful relationships. Other symptoms of loneliness include:
Feeling tired or lacking energy
Feeling tired or lacking energy.
Increased stress levels.
Feelings of anxiety or restlessness.
Spending a lot of time on social media.
Gaining weight or experiencing a decrease in appetite.
Feeling run down or experiencing frequent illness.
An inability to focus.
Insomnia or interrupted sleep.
Feelings of self-doubt, hopelessness or worthlessness.
Ellie continued: “Everyone feels lonely at some point in their life. While this doesn’t make the feelings any better, it is reassuring to know that others feel the same and are experiencing similar things. There are lots of things that you can do to help someone who is experiencing loneliness.
“Reach out. Simply being there for them, and letting them know you are there and that you care, can be very helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask them how they’re feeling – having someone willing to listen can be a great comfort.
“You could try offering to attend a new club or try volunteering with them. These are great ways to meet new people while pursuing a hobby or helping a cause you believe in. Often charities and local organisations are in need of more volunteers, and it can lead to feelings of gratitude and provide a sense of real purpose knowing you’re helping others.”
“It’s important to be patient: when someone is lonely, particularly if their loneliness is associated with poor mental or physical health, they may be irritable or feel misunderstood. Patience and gentle reassurance can go a long way in helping them and showing you care.”
For more information on how to help someone with loneliness, please visit the High Speed Training Hub.
Young adults (aged 18-24) are struggling with their mental health with 95 per cent feeling anxious in the last 12 months, and a fifth (21 per cent) experiencing these feelings all the time
● Generation dislocation – 70 per cent of young adults feel lonely even when around peers, friends, classmates, work colleagues
● 65% of young adults say musicians who have been open about their own emotional struggles are helping to destigmatise mental health – Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi and Selena Gomez are the most inspirational
A NEW survey shows a staggering 95 per cent of young people are struggling with their mental health.
The UK faces a mental health catastrophe as only 10 per cent of young adults love themselves completely, reveals blistering new research from Direct Line Insurance and mental health charity Mind.
Young adults are struggling with their mental health with 95 per cent feeling anxious in the last 12 months and over a fifth (21 per cent) experiencing these feelings all the time.
Almost half of young adults (46 per cent) have felt low often or all the time over this time period. Despite support services being readily available, more than one in twenty young people said that they feel uncomfortable discussing their mental health with anyone, 10 per cent of 18-year-olds not willing to speak about the topic at all.
Young people are experiencing a sense of dislocation, with almost three quarters (70 per cent) of young adults feeling lonely even when around peers, friends, classmates, work colleagues. They also have less energy than they did previously, 83 per cent saying this is true in the last 12 months.
When they do need a mental lift, 59 per cent of young adults turn to music to improve their mood and for a quarter (25 per cent) of this generation it makes them feel less lonely. Almost two thirds (65 per cent) of young adults say musicians are a force for good in opening discussions about mental health, with Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi seen as inspirations. Music can be a vital outlet, as half (50 per cent) of young people experiencing poor mental health find it difficult discussing this with others.
The survey was carried out by Opinium across 2,000 18-24 year olds.
To highlight the link between music and a positive uplift in mood, Direct Line and Mind have worked with mental health advocate and London-based rapper Marc Jones, who has over five million music streams, to produce a new track, Day by Day, which encourages young people to be open about their mental health. It is free to download across all major streaming platforms for the month of April.
The track, developed by Marc Jones, 30, is an inspirational track to encourage young people to love themselves and to highlight there are support networks when they are struggling. The track is produced by London-based producer, RP9, whose notable collaborations include Ed Sheeran and Big Narstie.
Sam Taylor, Marketing Director, at Direct Line said:“The mental health of young adults is incredibly important and many are struggling to navigate these complex times.
“Understanding the issues faced by a generation of young adults we partnered with Marc Jones an inspirational musician to develop a track encouraging young people to open up about their mental health, whether that’s in the car when the song plays on the radio or at home, with friends streaming the track.”
Stephen Buckley, Head of Information at Mind said: “We are deeply concerned by the findings of this research – the fact that only 10% of young adults love themselves highlights the urgent need for support and resources to help this young generation navigate the complex challenges they face.
“We are excited to be part of the efforts of Direct Line and Marc Jones in producing the track ‘Day by Day’ to encourage young people to open up about their mental health and seek the support when needed.”
Niamh O’Connor, 23, from Worcester, said:“From a young age music has always been a part of my life so when I was diagnosed with anorexia over six years ago and was hospitalised for the first time, I found a lot of comfort in music.
“Whenever I felt upset or anxious, I would sit down at the piano in the hospital and play. Music became the only thing that helped take my mind off everything that was going on in my life.
“I was never one to talk openly about my feelings, but my therapist helped me to open up by asking me to play a piece of music that reflected my inner thoughts.
“Now I am able to use my experiences to create conversations with friends and we discuss how song melodies and lyrics resonate with us. This gives us the opportunity to talk openly about our mental health and support one another through music.”
Marc Jones added: “The purpose of my music has always been to lift spirits and encourage young people. This new track I released with Mind and Direct Line does just this.
“I personally have always turned to music when I am feeling low, it really helps and so does having charities like Mind, for expert support.”
The track Day By Day is available to stream on all major streaming platforms. Please find it on Spotify here.
Table One: Top ten inspirational artists for young people
Rank
Music Artist
1
Billie Eilish
2
Lewis Capaldi
3
Selena Gomez
4
Eminem
5
Ed Sheeran
6
Taylor Swift
7
Adele
8
Juice World
9
Dave
10
Demi Lovato
About Direct Line
Starting in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover directly to customers by phone or online.
Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Direct Line and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Mind, the mental health charity, provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. They won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect. mind.org.uk
Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday)
Mind’s online mental health community Side by Side is a safe space where anyone aged 18 and over with experience of a mental health problem can share their story, connect with others, access Mind’s wider information and resources, and give support in return. Find out more at www.sidebyside.mind.org.uk
Funding will help tackle social impact of rising cost of living
Projects supporting people most at risk of social isolation and loneliness will receive a share of almost £1 million support funding announced today.
The money will help to provide warm spaces, hot meals, group activities and fuel payments to people most at risk of isolation including older people, young parents, carers and disabled people.
Organisations to receive grants/funds include Age Scotland, who will continue to deliver their ‘Keeping The Doors Open’ grants programme, and Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland who are recruiting Urdu and Punjabi-speaking volunteers to make Kindness Calls.
Equalities and Older People’s Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Social isolation and loneliness can affect anyone, especially at this time of year when people can struggle to get outside and socialise. The pandemic and the cost of living crisis have increased isolation for some people, including young people, carers and disabled people.
“The funding will be a lifeline for a range of organisations who are helping to keep people connected during this challenging time.
“This fund is just one of the many crucial steps that we are taking to tackle social isolation and loneliness as part of our plan, A Connected Scotland.”
Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Chief Executive Jane-Claire Judson said: “We know that living with a disability or long-term condition can be hugely isolating and that for those who are unable to read or communicate fluently in English, this isolation can be even more significant.
“This funding from the Scottish Government will greatly enhance the ability of our support services to reach non-English speaking and minority ethnic populations in Scotland to reduce isolation and loneliness.
“Ultimately, it will allow us to engage with and support more people across Scotland who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions, better enabling them to live their lives to the full.”
Chief Executive of Age Scotland Mark O’Donnell said: “Older people’s groups have an incredibly important role in communities across Scotland, supporting health and wellbeing, physical activity, tackling loneliness and food insecurity.
“Our research has identified that around 200,000 over-65s rely on groups like this but the impact of Covid-19 and spiralling inflation has meant that these lifelines have been facing incredible pressures to keeping their doors open. We’re incredibly grateful that the Scottish Government took notice of our research and our ask of greater financial support for older people’s groups.
“The funding will help many such groups and clubs meet the rising cost of energy bills, food, transport and venues to meet, ensuring that their members can stay connected and are able to be as well as they can be.”
18 projects and organisations will receive a share of £971,019. They are:
Lisa Maynard from Care Inspectorate’s improvement team shares a great new initiative that is being rolled out in Fife to combat loneliness among people living in care homes:
During the pandemic Carol Hands, Care Home Liaison Nurse, reflected on how isolated people were feeling so she began a pen pal service called Letters of Friendship, Loneliness is not an option.
The poster has been distributed to care homes across the region and the team of care home liaison nurses to promote it when they are out on their visits or during their support calls.
There has already been a good interest in the scheme with around 50 residents starting to write letters. This communication tool can not only stimulate new conversations with new people but tackle loneliness and improve mental health.
If you would like to find out more about this initiative or share any initiatives of your own with us please contact Lisa Maynard, Interim Senior Improvement Adviser: Lisa.Maynard@careinspectorate.gov.scot
Loneliness affects more than 25 million people in England, disproportionally affecting older people
Psychologist Dr Cecilia Radecka shares what it means to be socially isolated, how it affects our brains and the steps you can take to overcome its effects
For Loneliness Awareness Week (13th-17th June), a psychologist has shared her top advice on how to overcome the effects of social isolation.
Below, Dr Cecilia Radecka, psychologist at Livi, explains the difference between loneliness and social isolation and looks at how social isolation affects our brains.
How to overcome the effects of social isolation
Make social connections a priority
“Although it may seem impossible, making small steps to connect with others is important. There are many forms of friendships – but the key here is quality, not quantity,” explains Dr Radecka. “Arrange to chat to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or set up a weekly phone call.”
Engage in the community
Being part of a community gives us a strong sense of belonging. Join a class based on your interests. “Doing activities that we enjoy is good for our mental wellbeing and a way to meet new people,” says Dr Radecka. Try taking part in a book club, dog-walking group or choir or volunteering at a community garden. One study found that group singing significantly boosts psychological wellbeing.
Get moving
“If you’re struggling with social anxiety, keeping physically active can improve your mood and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety,” says Dr Radecka. “It boosts the feel-good chemicals in the brain and decreases stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.”
Ask for help
Dr Radecka said: “If you feel that social isolation and loneliness are affecting your health, don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends or a health professional. A Livi doctor or therapist can evaluate your symptoms and talk you through treatment options available.”
The difference between social isolation and loneliness
“The main difference between social isolation and loneliness is in how people experience them,” says Dr Cecilia Radecka, a Livi psychologist.
“Social isolation is a state where you have few people to interact with regularly. Loneliness is a feeling, where you can be surrounded by people yet still feel lonely.
“Studies show that it isn’t the quantity but the quality of social interactions that matters. For example, while social media can help us stay connected, it can lead to lower quality interactions. One study found that spending too much time on social media can increase feelings of loneliness.”
It’s not just the elderly who feel lonely
Social isolation disproportionally affects older people, and in some countries, up to 1 in 3 older people are lonely.
“Older adults are at increased risk of loneliness and social isolation due to living alone, the loss of friends or family and poor health,” says Dr Radecka.
However, social isolation can affect us all at some point. For some, being socially isolated comes and goes – perhaps as a consequence of life events, like a death of a loved one, a relationship break-up or moving somewhere new. For others, it’s more long term.
How social isolation affects our mental health
Social isolation is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems like anxiety and depression – and mental health issues can also increase your chances of feeling lonely. There’s even evidence that social isolation can shorten life span. A study found that people who are socially isolated are more likely to die prematurely, regardless of underlying health issues.
However, while social isolation and loneliness can impair our cognitive function, there’s also evidence that re-socialising and making new connections can reverse the negative effects of isolation. In a recent study conducted during the pandemic, residents who suffered cognitive decline during lockdown quickly recovered when restrictions eased.
To improve access to mental health treatment, Livi, the UK’s largest digital healthcare company, has this week launched an Online Therapy service, offering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with qualified and accredited mental health practitioners. Appointments can be booked online, and people can see a therapist by video in their own home, at a time that suits them.
George Jones, Director of Mental Health at Livi, said: “England saw a record 4.3 million referrals to mental health services last year, and every month our GPs help thousands of patients with mental health concerns.
“Livi’s new Online Therapy service will improve access to mental health treatment for patients and ease the pressure on NHS services.
“Everyone should have access to the help they need, when they need it, and outstanding digital healthcare can play a vital part in meeting increased demand by improving access and reducing waiting times.”
Livi partners with the NHS to provide video appointments with GPs and other health professionals, covering eight million patients under NHS contract.
See below for details of the Enliven Edinburgh Campaign – the funding application form is attached below.
The deadline for submissions has been extended to 5.00 pm on 22 April.
Enliven Edinburgh Campaign
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 9 – 15 May will focus on loneliness and the Enliven Edinburgh campaign will use this week as a catalyst to highlight and spotlight the ways in which people can connect or reconnect.
Funding of up to £5,000 is available for partnerships and organisations to either build on existing initiatives or create new initiatives and opportunities for people to connect and interact.
These don’t all have to happen doing this week, but there will be awareness raising of the initiatives during Mental Health Awareness Week.
With Omicron looming ever garishly on the horizon, many people are petrified that a last minute circuit breaker or lockdown will plough in and ruin Christmas once again, adding to an already prevalent pandemic of loneliness and a huge mental health crisis. Christmas 2020 saw
MoneyMagpie’s Jasmine Birtles say “no more” as she invited people to spend some of Christmas Day with her on zoom. This year, regardless of what the Prime Minister says, Jasmine is doing the same again …
If the last two years have taught us anything, it it is that loneliness is something we can all struggle with. It can mean feeling alone whilst surrounded by people you love; it can be living alone and only having your pet for company; it can be not wanting to trouble friends when you most need them and, for many, it can be being faced with spending Christmas Day alone. Combating loneliness is is a societal need more than ever.
Due to lockdown and the physical longing for human interaction that it created, for the first time ever it has become more widely accepted that people talk about loneliness, there was even the government’s encouragement of Let’s Talk Loneliness but a lot of the advice given during the pandemic assumed that we had people to turn to.
The £750 million charity funding appeal to combat loneliness wasn’t necessarily noticeable to so many of us, and lots of businesses, charities and people took matters into their own hands and decided to look at ways to combat this themselves. This is what led to Jasmine opening up her Christmas Day celebrations to people who need some company.
Jasmine said, “Last year everyone was told to stay at home and not visit relatives or friends for Christmas (unless they were a government minister, of course), and it occurred to me that there would be a lot of people who would feel desperately lonely and abandoned.
“I wanted to give them the opportunity to have their own party and talk and laugh with other normal people at least once during the day. It worked. We had people who were on their own as well as at least one couple who just thought it sounded like a fun thing to do. There was a really nice atmosphere to the event and we had some good giggles!”
Recognising quite how much it was needed, Jasmine has decided to do the same again. “I’m holding this one at the same time again – 4pm – on Christmas Day,” she says. “Last year’s was supposed to be just an hour but it went on for an hour and half, so I expect this year’s will last that long too.” The link to join is on Eventbrite here.
So many people showed up last year and Jasmine managed to create a safe environment in which people could just share the day. Recognising that many people struggle socially and that introversion or many factors can make it hard to speak up.
“This party is for people who like to get involved and also for those who would just like to watch and listen incognito. I’ll be doing a fun quiz but it’s only for those who want to take part and I’ll be quite happy if some people simply want to come and be part of the atmosphere but don’t want to talk to strangers.
“That’s understandable. Let’s face it, ‘in-person’ parties full of people you don’t know can be a daunting prospect, and Zoom parties can be just as worrying to some, so I won’t be forcing anyone to do the quiz or even talk unless they want to.”
So this Christmas, if you are faced with being alone (for whatever reason), be sure to join up and have something fun on your festive horizon. “You are not alone” as Jasmine is keen to help us realise.
Psychologists say we can adapt our festive celebrations to tackle loneliness despite Covid caution
Psychologists at the British Psychological Society are encouraging people to look at building new traditions and ways of celebrating, as Covid-19 continues to cast uncertainty over traditional Christmas plans.
Experts from the BPS are urging us to apply the lessons of 2020 and develop new ways of celebrating Christmas safely for all generations to help to avoid loneliness.
Professor Vivian Hill, chartered member of the BPS, who has studied loneliness extensively, says: “We can evolve our Christmas traditions, just like we always have, so while Christmas 2021 might not be quite what we planned, rather than looking at what we cannot do, and what we are missing, let’s flip it on its head and see how we can make new traditions, new memories and keep all our loved ones safe.
“Last year people were incredibly resilient and adapted in all sorts of ways to celebrate Christmas. While we all wish that Covid-19 was not impacting our Christmas again this year, it means we can focus on genuine, authentic interactions with people, and actually have the freedom to celebrate it in the way that works for our families, free of the myths of what Christmas ‘should be’.
“This could be spreading celebrations out with different groups and generations, rather than all gathering for one big meal, meeting for walks and mulled wine or Christmas picnics (weather permitting). This is not only safer, but it also avoids people being left out or lonely, or feeling like a burden.
“Feelings of loneliness can be heightened at this time of year and it is a very personal experience with some people feeling lonely even when they part of a large gathering. For others the feeling of being outside the norm of a big family Christmas can be very painful.
“In the past 18 months we have learnt more about loneliness and about the importance of reaching out to people, so it’s really important we continue to do this and recognise that loneliness can happen across any generation.”
New poll shows a quarter of Scots say Covid-19 pandemic has left them feeling more isolated than ever
Parliamentarians across parties are calling on governments to put connecting communities at the heart of Covid recovery – as a new British Red Cross poll shows a quarter (23%) of Scots say the pandemic has left them feeling more isolated than they ever have before.
28% say that feelings of loneliness are still affecting them even though Covid-19 restrictions have eased, in comparison to earlier in the year.
As many people continue to struggle with loneliness two years into the Covid-19 crisis, politicians and Civil Society Organisations want governments across the UK to reaffirm their commitment to tackling loneliness – and to improve and invest in community and social infrastructure needed to connect people. This includes public transport and shared public spaces, such as parks.
Calling for a cross-UK Government agenda to ‘loneliness-proof’ communities, parliamentarians have relaunched the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tackling Loneliness and Connected Communities, to keep these issues high on the political agenda.
Former Government Loneliness Minister and Conservative MP Tracey Crouch, and Labour MP Kim Leadbeater will be co-chairs, and the group will be supported by a new partnership of the British Red Cross, the Campaign to End Loneliness, and the Astra Foundation.
These parliamentarians are looking to build on the great work already done across the political spectrum, civil society, and people and communities themselves, to help raise awareness of loneliness – and tackle its root causes – at a time when a new Opinium poll for the British Red Cross shows that in Scotland:
A quarter (23%) of Scots say that the pandemic has left them feeling more isolated than they ever have before.
Around three in ten (28%) say that feelings of loneliness are still affecting them even though Covid-19 restrictions have eased, and a fifth (20%) are more worried about their feelings of loneliness now than they were before the pandemic.
More than two in five Scots (45%) say they are worried that with Covid-19 cases increasing in the UK, they will need to reduce their interactions with others again.
A third (33%) of Scots think that the pandemic has had a lasting impact on their relationships and social connections, while a quarter (24%) admit that they have found it difficult to reconnect with friends and family since lockdown restrictions lifted.
More positively, the latest research does show that 28% of people across Scotland feel more connected to their local community now than they did before the pandemic, with a third (33%) saying that the pandemic has brought out the best in their community.
Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, became the UK’s – and the world’s – first ever Loneliness Minister in 2017 and has continued to champion efforts to better connect people since.
Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, has long worked to tackle loneliness and bring people together, and continues to build on the work of her late sister, Jo Cox, who was a pioneer in putting loneliness and social isolation on the political agenda.
Tracey Crouch MP said: “When I was appointed Loneliness Minister in 2017, I got to understand the scale of the challenge and, through my work with local government, health professionals, charities, and community groups, we were able to identify the best ways of helping people who are lonely to reconnect with their local community.
“Since then, we’ve made real strides in tackling stigma, encouraging people to talk about their feelings, and in bringing in practical measures like social prescribing which sees people take part in activities or groups to improve their health.
“Now we need to go further and address some of the underlying factors that prevent people from connecting with others, especially in terms of investment in key infrastructure and assets in local communities.”
Kim Leadbeater MP said: “As we look to recover from this pandemic, we have to recognise the impact Covid-19 has had on some of the most vulnerable people in society, especially those who have been isolated for long periods of time.
“I know from my efforts to tackle loneliness and bring people and communities closer together, that loneliness was a real problem before Covid-19 and, for some, it will be an even greater challenge now.
“It’s crucial we improve things where we live and that means good transport links, clean and safe public areas, recreational spaces like parks and gardens – things we take for granted but are the glue that binds our communities together.”
British Red Cross Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Scotland Kenneth Watt said: “Our latest research shows just how much more work needs to be done if we are to achieve a connected recovery from Covid-19, one that builds people’s confidence, brings our communities together, and puts a strong focus on those most impacted by the pandemic.
“We’re delighted to be supporting this push to encourage leadership and action on tackling loneliness, from all levels of government through to local communities up and down the country.
“Together, we need to build on the good work that has been done by government and communities themselves during the pandemic because loneliness is not a new or short-term problem and will continue to hold people back beyond this crisis.”
Robin Hewings, Programme Director at the Campaign to End Loneliness, said: “We are pleased the Campaign to End Loneliness is partnering with British Red Cross to provide secretariat to the APPG on Tackling Loneliness & Connected Communities.
“Research has shown the pandemic has left many more people feeling more isolated than ever. It helps us open up the conversation some more that loneliness is going to be a serious issue beyond Covid-19.
“And that so much more needs to be done to address the issue at scale and build upon the great work that has been done so far to bring communities together in helping them all to build back better.”
If you are experiencing loneliness, please know that you are not alone. If you would like some help, the British Red Cross support line operates from 10am to 6pm seven days a week on 0808 196 3651.
