What kind of support do people Building on these three models of support want and how do they want identified, and following testing and validation of a support delivered? number of support options, the following principles for effective support emerged. These principles Feelings and experiences of loneliness are highly highlight the key ‘building blocks’ from which to individualistic and often unpredictable. Experts construct successful future services and support. recommend a combination of the following three Services and support should: models of support to tackle loneliness, depending give a sense of purpose to the individual on individual circumstances:¤ be peer-led and co-designed to include Preventative support – Support that ¤ ¤ can identify those at risk, such as those people in similar circumstances experiencing a life transition, and tries to be local to individuals and easy to access ¤ prevent future loneliness was seen as being more effective in helping individuals who are ¤ be free or affordable on the ‘cusp’ or ‘cliff edge’ of loneliness (when instil a sense of identity for participants who ¤ they are nearing a life event or substantial shift are going through a period of transition in their daily routine). For participants, small provide sustained support, and clear and easy gestures (for example, saying hello, ¤ asking how their day is going) from others goals and pathways out of support such as friends, colleagues, and peers were when appropriate benefit others and ‘give back’ to society, crucial for preventing loneliness.¤ which can make individuals feel ‘useful’ Responsive support – Support which ¤ be built around shared interests. responds to and is shaped by the needs of ¤ those already experiencing loneliness was Participants held a range of views as to who necessary and valuable when dealing with a could deliver support founded on these life event or disruption to routine. Responsive principles, and play a part in tackling loneliness: support needs to involve positively framed Charity and voluntary sector organisations and user-centred activities. Effective types ¤ of responsive support were seen as those – Viewed by both experts and participants that give individuals a clear purpose, help as being the most closely linked to providing them forge new relationships, develop new services to tackle loneliness historically. These interests, or rediscover old skills through organisations were seen as being able to volunteering or taking a night class. Meeting help community organisations to grow public others going through similar experiences was support and provide momentum around a also key for some participants. ‘call to action’, using their brand credibility from working at grass roots level to build Restorative support – Support which can ¤ support for campaigning. help those who are at risk of slipping into Individuals in communities – Experts chronic loneliness (i.e. loneliness which is ¤ experienced over a longer period) to re-believe that building resilience in communities engage was most successfully implemented so individuals can reduce the likelihood when an individual is trying to reconnect of loneliness hinges on the inclusion of with their community but may need some community members in the design of future added support to achieve this. It is therefore services, ensuring services are tailored, important that people are supported to rebuild relevant and fit for local need. Peer-led their confidence and use this newfound support was identified as necessary, self-assurance to forge new connections.encouraging individuals to connect with others who had been in similar circumstances but had managed to overcome them. Executive summary 9