The UK has recorded the highest level of loneliness since the coronavirus crisis began, with figures showing that almost 2.6 million adults had not left their home in the previous seven days. Sixteen- to 29-year-olds were twice as likely as the over-70s to be experiencing loneliness.
A survey by the Office for National Statistics, taken after the clocks went back last month, painted a stark picture: a substantial number of people reported feelings of isolation and a lack of regular face-to-face contact.
Peak levels of acute loneliness were recorded since the UK-wide lockdown in March: 4.2 million adults said they always or often felt lonely, compared with 2.6 million before the pandemic.
The Opinions and Lifestyle poll of more than 4,000 people from 5-8 November also showed a spike in the most acute levels of loneliness, meaning those who always or often felt lonely since the daylight-saving changes.
Eight per cent of adults were in this category, the biggest proportion since March and more than the 5% typically reported before the pandemic and during parts of the summer, when Covid restrictions were relaxed.
Loneliness figures have fluctuated during the pandemic – there was a drop after the peak in the week ending 1 November – but they have consistently shown between 10 million and 14 million people feeling some form of loneliness.
New groups experiencing loneliness have emerged, such as people without internet access and those working from home who would usually rely on workplaces for their social lives.
The loneliness minister, Diana Barran, said there was funding for grassroots community projects to help people stay in touch but conceded that the winter would be challenging.
She said it was important not to underestimate the impact of things individuals could do – to alleviate loneliness – such as calling a friend or relative, writing a letter or helping a neighbour. “It’s those simple things that make people feel valued,” Lady Barran told the BBC.
The government has acknowledged that the coronavirus crisis has been accompanied by a rise in loneliness. In June, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport set up a £5m fund to award grants to charities and local groups to tackle the issue.
• In the UK, the charity Mind is available on 0300 123 3393 and Childline on 0800 1111. In the US, Mental Health America is available on 800-273-8255. In Australia, support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and at MensLine on 1300 789 978.
