Bringing People Together: How Community Action Can Tackle Loneliness and Social Isolation

Introduction

This research explores how community action can reduce loneliness and social isolation. It:

• highlights lessons from the community and voluntary sector

• shares stories from charities funded by The National Lottery Community Fund

• considers the causes of entrenched loneliness

• suggests what can be done to prevent it

The report is aimed at organisations, funders and policymakers working to strengthen community connections.

Findings

The research found that The National Lottery Community Fund supports thousands of community-led projects that contribute to addressing loneliness and social isolation across the UK.

It shows that effective interventions for loneliness often address practical barriers to being with others, like mobility problems or lack of transport. But our learning suggests that helping to change a lonely person’s mindset is equally important – and that finding meaning is at the heart of tackling loneliness.

The research also found that:

• loneliness is subjective and not always the same as social isolation

• life events such as bereavement or moving home can increase loneliness

• welcoming community spaces help people connect with others

• community organisations are well placed to identify and support people experiencing or at risk of loneliness

• boosting protective factors like meaning, resilience, and quality of relationships can help to prevent loneliness

• giving back to the community can be particularly powerful in reducing feelings of isolation