Tackling Loneliness

The Tackling Loneliness Network

Historic England is a member of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) Tackling Loneliness Network. The Network was formed by Government to help connect groups at risk of isolation and is providing recommendations to the UK Minister for Loneliness, and Parliamentary Under Secretary for Civil Society and Department for Culture, Media and Sport Lords Minister.

The group launched a briefing paper on 24 May 2021. It sheds new light on the feelings of people in later life who were already experiencing chronic loneliness before the pandemic, and the challenges they faced as restrictions ease.

The work of the Tackling Loneliness Network has revealed how loneliness can affect every area of our everyday lives, and the pandemic only highlighted the importance of social connections for people of all ages and backgrounds. We know that those more likely to experience loneliness before the pandemic were also less resilient during it, and continue to feel the impact today. The research shows that some groups are disproportionately affected, including young people, disabled people and people who are LGBT, with barriers to support felt more in some areas of the country. Furthermore, evidence is emerging that the current cost-of-living pressure is likely to exacerbate loneliness.

The network’s work will continue to be guided by the three objectives we set out in its original strategy in 2018:

1. Reducing stigma by building the national conversation on loneliness, so that people feel able to talk about loneliness and reach out for help.
2. Driving 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.
3. Playing our part in improving the evidence base on loneliness, making a compelling case for action, and ensuring everyone has the information they need to make informed decisions through challenging times.

Read the Tackling Loneliness annual report March 2023: the Fourth Year

Social prescribing for alleviating loneliness

Social Prescribing is another way to alleviate loneliness and help people connect to others and receive necessary support and care. Historic England has partnered up with the National Academy for Social Prescribing to raise awareness about the potential of heritage activities to bring people together and help communities and individuals feel less isolated, increasing their feelings of identity, purpose and belonging.