Podcast ¦ Vulnerability Matters: Episode 16 – Tackling loneliness with Amy Perrin and Chris Fitch

Summary:
This podcast episode explores the issue of loneliness in the UK and its impact on individuals. It discusses the definition of loneliness, the extent of loneliness in different age groups, and the potential causes of loneliness. The podcast also highlights the negative effects of chronic loneliness on health and well-being. The Marmalade Trust, a charity dedicated to tackling loneliness, is interviewed, and they provide insights on how to identify, talk about, and help people experiencing loneliness. The podcast emphasizes the role of essential service firms, such as banks and energy companies, in addressing loneliness and suggests actions they can take to support their customers.

Key Points:

• Loneliness is a warning sign that something is not right with an individual’s level of social contact.
• Approximately 7% of the UK population often or always feels lonely, and this has increased since the pandemic.
• Loneliness can have negative impacts on health, increasing the likelihood of alcohol or disease, stroke, dementia, and depression.
• There are different types of loneliness, including transient loneliness and chronic loneliness, which can last for an extended period.
• The Marmalade Trust is a national loneliness charity that organizes events and raises awareness about loneliness in the UK.
• Identifying and helping people experiencing loneliness involves acknowledging their feelings, understanding the reasons behind their loneliness, and taking appropriate actions.
• Starting conversations about loneliness can be done by raising awareness, empathizing with others, and being kind and patient.
• Essential service firms have a responsibility to consider the impact of loneliness on their workforce and can support their customers by understanding their needs and signposting them to relevant resources.
• The Marmalade Trust has worked with banks, supermarkets, and energy firms to raise awareness about loneliness and help organizations understand how they can contribute to addressing loneliness in their communities.

Key Statistics:

• Up to half a million older people in the UK report going five to six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone else.
• Loneliness has increased from 6% of the population in 2020 to 7% in 2022 since the pandemic.
• People aged 16 to 29 now report loneliness twice as much as those over 70.
• Loneliness is estimated to cost businesses and the economy £2.5 billion.

Key Takeaways:

• Loneliness is a widespread issue in the UK, affecting people across different age groups.
• Chronic loneliness can have significant negative impacts on health and well-being.
• Identifying and talking about loneliness requires empathy, kindness, and an open mind.
• Essential service firms can play a role in addressing loneliness by understanding their customers’ needs and signposting them to relevant support services.
• Raising awareness, having honest conversations, and advocating for community connections are important steps in tackling loneliness.
• Providing training and webinars can help organizations understand and address loneliness in their workforce and customer base.
• Small interactions and daily connections can contribute to reducing loneliness and strengthening connections within communities.
• The Marmalade Trust works to address loneliness by organizing events and raising awareness about the issue.
• Loneliness Awareness Week and other campaigns provide opportunities to start conversations about loneliness and reduce the stigma associated with it.
• Identifying and helping someone experiencing loneliness involves acknowledging their feelings, understanding the reasons behind their loneliness, and providing appropriate support and signposting resources.
• Essential service firms can support their customers by considering the impact of loneliness and addressing it in their services and interactions.
• Collaborating with charities and local initiatives can help essential service firms contribute to reducing loneliness in their communities.