Social Isolation and Loneliness
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Social isolation and loneliness are now seen as major health problems. Whilst they are often used interchangeably, they are distinct concepts: social isolation refers to a lack of social contact, whereas loneliness describes a subjective feeling of being alone.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), loneliness affects 1 in 6 people worldwide and causes approximately 870,000 deaths per year. The main drivers of social isolation and loneliness include weak community infrastructure, poor health, unhealthy use of digital technology, and life transitions.
National Priorities
In 2018, the UK government published the world's first strategy for tackling loneliness: A Connected Society: A strategy for tackling loneliness. The strategy's approach to tackling loneliness in England has three overarching objectives:
Reduce stigma by building the national conversation on loneliness, so that people feel able to talk about loneliness and reach out for help.
Drive a lasting shift so that relationships and loneliness are considered in policy-making and delivery by organisations across society, supporting and amplifying the impact of organisations that are connecting people.
Play our part in improving the evidence base on loneliness, making a compelling case for action, and ensuring everyone has information they need to make informed decisions through challenging times.
Local Priorities
Stockton-on-Tees Council Plan 2024-2028
Success looks like:
Our residents feeling like they belong to their community.
Priority Two: Healthy and Resilient Communities - Building safe and connected communities
We will support residents to be safe and connected to each other in their homes and communities.
Through our Communities Mission, we will empower communities and increase individual, family and community level activities.
We will work with communities to tackle the contributing causes to social isolation and loneliness and encouraging and facilitating more ways to connect within the community, whilst providing support for people at greatest risk and promoting good mental wellbeing.
To ensure communities are better connected, we are working with transport partners to ensure that the Tees Valley Strategic Transport Plan support social equity through good connectivity across all modes of travel, and promotes safety and security for all.
Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030
Focus Area 3: Social Isolation and Loneliness
- We will work together with communities to tackle the contributing causes, encourage and facilitate more ways to connect within the community, as well as providing support for people at greatest risk or impacted.
