Community-level drivers of loneliness Social spaces – Participants felt like some The local communities of participants were seen traditional spaces for people to come together, as having contributed additional challenges that such as leisure centres, were disappearing and increased risk of disconnection for participants. there were less obvious communal spaces Figure 8 summarises these challenges. for connecting with others in modern society. The loss of small and simple yet potentially powerful means of connecting regularly meant Figure 8. Community-level drivers of lonelinessthat some participants who were experiencing disconnection lost even quick and fleeting regular exchanges with other people. Social “The social places in my area – clubs, halls, activities snooker, classes – have all dwindled away over the last few years which make my mmun i Co ty options to mix with people harder.” Neighbour- (Health, Male, London, 35-54) Social hood spaces safety Transport – Participants saw that infrequent, inaccessible or even non-existent transport infrastructure in communities dissuaded them from taking up opportunities to engage. Buses ran infrequently and did not allow for travel late at Statutory night, train stations were difficult to get to, taxis services Transport and the cost of car parking were too expensive. Lack of transport options in general specifically the suitability and availability of transport, was particularly problematic in more rural areas. Yet Social activities – A lack of activities available even in well-connected cities, transport was a in the community, or feeling that those available barrier to engagement for some. are not relevant, was a key community-level “[It] takes up so much time and costs so contributor to loneliness. Participants felt it much and I also have to plan ahead to was difficult to connect without opportunities make sure I get good deals on train price. available that are of interest, with others they can So, therefore, I don’t always visit or see relate to, and that are easy to access. For those friends as much as I would like.” individuals with the confidence and willingness to reach out for support in connecting, the lack (Mobility, Female, Bristol, 55-74) of social activities in their area was seen as an obstacle difficult or impossible to overcome. The Statutory services – Difficulty accessing kinds of social activities that were most desired services for personal needs other than loneliness, by participants to help tackle the loneliness they at the point of needing it, was seen by some were experiencing are discussed in Chapter 6.to have exacerbated their existing needs, and “I don’t use a lot of services – they do not compounded feelings of loneliness. In particular, a cater to my needs or lifestyle. A wider variety lack of holistic support for medical concerns meant should be available; this would allow people that sometimes the symptoms of issues were to meet others in the same situation or with temporarily addressed rather than the root causes. the same interests and problems.” For example, a participant experienced insomnia (Young new mum, Belfast, 18-24) after her divorce and her GP prescribed What causes loneliness, and how can it become chronic? 25