Loneliness and Social Isolation JSNA (2025)
Key headlines
- There is clear evidence that a significant proportion of residents do not have as much social contact as they would like or frequently enjoy how they spend their spare time.
- There is the potential that the scale of the number of people impacted by loneliness or social isolation could be higher as there are potentially many people experiencing these issues who are not known to any services or community organisations.
- There are a significant proportion of older adults who have barriers to taking part in social activities. These can vary depending on individual circumstances.
- The creation of the Loneliness Dashboard to highlight areas with highest overall likelihood of loneliness; the specific support requirements of each ward to help reduce loneliness; and allow people to see where across the Borough those who may require specific support, such as unpaid carers or those who have been widowed, are located.
- The Loneliness Dashboard strongly indicates wards with multiple factors that are likely to cause Loneliness and Social Isolation. These include Central and Grange, Westminster and Wolverham in Ellesmere Port, Blacon in Chester and several wards in Winsford.
- In the participation survey carried out, social gatherings were the most popular activity in all age groups , so whilst structured activities are valued, creating opportunities for people to make connections to enjoy unstructured time is important.
- Volunteering is considered a very popular option for the over 65’s and therefore a huge potential resource to support community activities are available if harnessed correctly. This, in combination with small grant funding opportunities to grow small groups, could be an important strategy in reducing social Isolation.
- Health and fitness, arts and crafts, and food and cooking are popular activities for residents over 55 years old. This may be a change to the traditional activities offered in many community venues, so adapting the programme of events to meet the needs of the users is important.
- Walking was referenced through various forms of feedback. Informal walking groups based in communities may be an easy solution that could support a number of people at a basic level.
- Groups and activities need to be ‘local’ for older residents and draw on the strengths and resources in the local community. ‘Welcome Spaces’ (9) and ‘Lets talk’ hubs provide a good structure of locations across the Borough for those initial places to meet new people and discover more about the options in each local community.
- Welcome Spaces and Lets talk should encourage a ‘warm welcome strategy’ for people new to the group or venue. This will put them at ease initially and may encourage them to return and reduce social anxiety.
- A significant number of residents may not be aware of all the groups and activities available in their area. A strong digital offer to show the options available locally is required, complemented by local newsletters and community notice boards.
- Whilst providing local support for residents in their community is important, finding suitable transport has been highlighted as a priority in all of the feedback received.
- The impact of informal hubs such as local markets where people can gather cannot be underestimated, and changes to these spaces or the closing of them may have significant previously unconsidered impact.
- Lack of self-confidence, depression, anxiety and other mental and emotional health issues have a dramatic effect on people’s ability to attend activities and can increase the chances of being socially isolated.
