As loneliness awareness week approaches, the spotlight turns to the powerful role of finding connection within the local community. Around 1 in 4 adults in England report that they feel lonely always or most of the time. While loneliness is often associated with older people, young adults report the highest levels of loneliness; 16-29-year-olds are twice as likely as those over 70 to experience loneliness. People living with disabilities are disproportionately affected by loneliness.
To help individuals reconnect and feel part of their community, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight is highlighting the importance of social prescribing – an approach where GPs and other healthcare professionals refer patients to non-clinical services such as arts and crafts, walking groups and volunteering opportunities to help tackle loneliness and support overall wellbeing.
One such story is that of Chantelle, from Portsmouth, who was referred to a local community group called ‘SPARK’ through her GP practice’s social prescriber.
“We moved here two years ago, and I was very lonely,” says Chantelle.
“When I had my stroke in 2016, I died initially, three times. I was in a coma for six months and had to learn how to walk, talk and feed myself again from scratch. The people make me feel at home, like coming round your nans for a cup of tea. It’s such a lovely space, you just feel like you can talk about anything to anybody. It does what it says on the tin, ‘spark’, it gives you your spark back.”
Nicky Lucey, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, says “Social prescribing gives people the opportunity to reconnect and improve their wellbeing. These community groups don’t just provide a place to meet others, they offer a lifeline to those navigating life after illness, loss, or significant change. Chantelle’s story is just one of many showing how connection is key in recovery.”
Councillor Matthew Winnington, Co-Chair of the Integrated Care Partnership and Co-Chair of the Portsmouth Health and Wellbeing Board, says “Loneliness can affect anyone at any stage of life. That’s why building stronger, more connected communities is in everyone’s best interests. We encourage people to look out for each other and make use of local initiatives like social prescribing to build real, lasting relationships.”
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight is also raising awareness about a free 20 minute ‘tackling social isolation’ training offered by Zero Suicide Alliance. It is designed to help people recognise when someone might be lonely or at risk and know how to help. Take part here: https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/social-isolation-training
To find out more about support for loneliness and social prescribing visit: Let's talk about loneliness :: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight