Mental health and loneliness

The relationship across life stages

Source: Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)

This report presents the findings from a qualitative study exploring the experiences of loneliness among those who had experienced a mental health condition. Previous research has shown there is a link between experiences of loneliness and poor mental health. The DCMS commissioned the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) to explore this issue across four key life stages as part of developing the evidence base for work on tackling loneliness.

Tackling Loneliness

Useful resources

With the support of Library Service from across the country, we have compiled a list of resources to provide support or advice for anyone who is suffering from loneliness during the pandemic. The initiatives aim to reduce loneliness and help people stay connected during this unprecedented time.

Tackling loneliness Research briefing, 16 June 2020 This briefing looks at research into the causes and impact of loneliness and possible interventions

Loneliness: a reading list Research briefing, 18 February 2020

This reading list provides links to various publications considering the causes and impact of loneliness, as well as possible interventions to deal with the issue in society. (Section 17 is Loneliness interventions)

Loneliness: Care Homes Research briefing, 17 March 2020 This briefing examines recent Government policy to tackle loneliness in care homes in the UK.

How has Covid-19 affected loneliness?
What Works Centre for Wellbeing, August 2020
https://whatworkswellbeing.org/resources/loneliness-lockdown-and-covid/ This briefing highlights findings from the Covid Social Study, as part of ongoing data analysis work with University College London. The study has surveyed more than 70,000 people since March 2020, asking different questions about their experiences and wellbeing over the past few months, including asking people about loneliness.

Life after lockdown: tackling loneliness
British Red Cross, June 2020
https://www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/we-speak-up-for-change/life-after-lockdown-tackling-loneliness The Covid-19 crisis has made loneliness worse, with some people more affected than others. This report shows that although social distancing and lockdown measures will continue to be eased, loneliness will remain. And for those most left behind, it may continue to grow. The research draws on findings from a collection of national-level polling, interviews and evaluations from British Red Cross services during Covid-19. Quick overview of key findings and recommendations, as well as the full report, from the link above.

Loneliness, social isolation and COVID-19: practical advice
Local Government Association / Association of Directors of Public Health, 21 May 2020
https://www.local.gov.uk/loneliness-social-isolation-and-covid-19-practical-advice “The LGA and ADPH have jointly produced this practical advice for Directors of Public Health and others leading the response to the loneliness and social isolation issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

What you can do if you feel lonely during the coronavirus outbreak: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coping-loneliness-during-coronavirus-outbreak/

Campaign to end loneliness https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/helpful-links/

We hope that none of our friends, family or colleagues have to face the feeling of loneliness. If you do, we hope that these resources may bring a sense of hope or enlighten you to try something new.