London has a loneliness epidemic; here’s how you can help
More than half of Londoners find that the capital is a lonely place to live, according to new findings from our YouGov survey of 1,175 Londoners. We surveyed Londoners by age, gender and social grade on how loneliness impacts them, and if they think that London’s government should do more to help the issue. This follows the Government’s analysis of the overall UK, which found that people living in cities are more likely to feel lonely than those living in other parts of the UK. In cities like London, changes in social structures, such as the decline of the number of pubs, as well as the frequency of lifestyle changes (such as moving house) mean loneliness is an issue that’s not specific to older people. In fact, our survey found those over 65 are the least likely to say London is a lonely place to live or work.
L oneliness is linked to a higher risk of early death, cardiovascular issues, poor mental health, inactivity, smoking, risk-taking behaviour, as well as cognitive decline and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. It can lead to increased demand on NHS resources, which are already overstretched. People who are lonely are more likely to be readmitted to hospital, more likely to visit a GP or A&E Unit and more likely to enter local authority funded residential care.
What’s worse: there is an undeniable stigma surrounding loneliness. Research shows that 30% of British people said they would be embarrassed to say they felt lonely, which can be a leading factor in preventing people coming forward and seeking help.
We are making it our business: recently, the London Assembly agreed a motion calling for practical, city-wide solutions to help address the loneliness epidemic in the capital. We are calling for the establishment of a London Family, and have two points of action that we are building on:
1. The Government and the Mayor should introduce a Loneliness Test. The objective would be to introduce a policy test that assesses the impact of their plans and decisions on loneliness in London. Add your voice if you agree>>
2. The design and delivery of an awareness campaign to tackle the stigma associated with experiencing loneliness and give individuals, businesses and local authorities the tools to tackle loneliness. Add your voice if you agree>>
And as we explore more about the state of loneliness in London, we want to hear from you.
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