The operational part of this project finished at the end of July and the University of Winchester are now reviewing the data and putting together their initial findings.
Watch this space from mid-October onwards, when we will begin to share the outcomes of their research.
In the meantime, we have been consulting with other organisations who are working to combat loneliness. Thank you to all of those who have taken part – it has been fascinating and often inspirational, to hear about the important work that is being done. Whilst the DfT project focused on loneliness in older people, we have also engaged with those working with younger age groups as, according to The Campaign to End Loneliness, loneliness amongst young people is a big problem and one that continues to increase post-pandemic.
It is clear that there is much to be done to combat loneliness and that whilst this is usually associated with isolation through growing older, there are other factors at play here and help needed for all ages, especially younger people. Some barriers to expanding services have been depressingly familiar such as lack of transport and volunteers. There have been some surprises though!
We will be holding a ‘Loneliness’ event mid-January to link in with the publication of the final report from University of Winchester, so if this is an area of interest to you, do keep an eye on future newsletters for more information.
Claire Morgan: claire.morgan@actionhampshire.org
