Read: Loneliness is a problem best tackled together

No matter how well-connected we may appear in our digital world, loneliness is becoming increasingly common. It is also, all too often, very well hidden.

Having conversations about loneliness can be the start we need in addressing the problem. That is why it’s so important that it’s the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 which will explore the experience of loneliness, its effect on our mental health and how we can all play a part in reducing loneliness in our communities.

Because loneliness doesn’t discriminate. It can be found in every street, every neighbourhood and every family. It can be experienced by children, new mothers dealing with their changed role, isolated disabled people and men among whom it has become a silent epidemic. It can have a physical impact on a person’s health as well as taking a toll on their mental health. It can be as bad for a person’s health as smoking, raise blood pressure and increase the incidence of falls. People who are chronically lonely are more likely to suffer from cognitive decline and dementia or be admitted into residential care. It is a leading cause of depression, in itself a cause of suicide.

It is clear that loneliness has an immense impact on public health. There is mounting evidence that it has an even wider societal and economic impact too. New research has found that loneliness in adults increases the likelihood of being unemployed by 17.5% for up to three years later, perhaps because of reduced motivation when searching for jobs or lower workplace performance.  The study’s authors have called for more research into the possible connection, pointing out that the prevention or reduction of loneliness in working-age people has the potential to reduce unemployment.

Much of the research was conducted pre-pandemic but we know that COVID-19 increased the level of loneliness experienced, with many feeling isolated and unable to connect with others. Polling carried out by the Mental Health Foundation which runs Mental Health Awareness Week showed that loneliness is one of the leading issues that the public felt needed to be addressed.

As an MP, I founded and co-chaired the Loneliness Commission with my friend and colleague, Jo Cox, to turbo-charge the public understanding and policy response to the loneliness crisis we had both witnessed for ourselves, even before we went into Parliament. As a result, the first cross-Government strategy to tackle loneliness was launched and the world’s first Loneliness Minister was appointed. That work continues with charities, local authorities and businesses, as well as with Government.

In fact, in my current role working with Purpose Coalition partners – leading businesses, universities, NHS Trusts, local authorities and third sector organisations which are seeking to ensure equality of opportunity by delivering positive social impact – it has become increasingly clear how important their role is in tackling many of the societal problems we face. Many are anchor institutions in their communities. Their knowledge and expertise are often rooted in the local area and they are already experienced in working in close partnership with other local stakeholders for the benefit of their colleagues, their customers and their communities.

That potential for businesses to play a leading role in their wellbeing was demonstrated during the pandemic. UK Power Networks, for example, stepped up their communications throughout, launching a new app providing health support and news updates to help with social isolation and holding social network chats with employees. GBRf also worked towards normalising conversations about mental health, including loneliness, and extended that to family members. A team of ‘wellbeing champions’ was created by volunteers from the business to act as support and listening ears to staff which led to the development of a mental health support app aimed at improving overall wellbeing and allowing people to stay connected on a more social level during the pandemic.

However, we can all play our part in tackling loneliness, encouraging connection to other people and to our communities to protect our mental health. It is crucial for our society and, as is increasingly evident, for our economy.

Seema Kennedy OBE