Working with local communities to address loneliness

In 2015, we collaborated with Age UK on Reconnections, which aims to develop better responses to the severe levels of loneliness and isolation which many older people experience. 

Loneliness can lead to poor health outcomes and increased use of health and social care services. Commissioners and health experts are increasingly recognising the detrimental effects of loneliness upon a person’s physical and mental health. A review of numerous studies indicates that the effect of loneliness on mortality exceeds the impact of better known risk factors such as obesity, and has a similar influence as cigarette smoking. 

Additionally, loneliness increases the risk of cognitive decline, dementia and depression. With recent projections estimating the number of people aged over 65 to reach 19 million in the UK by 2050, and older people being more likely to suffer loneliness, this is rightly becoming an issue of growing concern.

On referral to Reconnections, the older person is supported to discuss their hopes and aspirations, working with a caseworker to develop a personal plan to pursue the things thatmatter to them. The person may then be matched with a volunteer who provides practical and emotional support to take the first steps in this plan, whether joining a dog walking group orcommunity choir or a more unusual activity such as motorcycling. 

From these first steps, people are supported and encouraged to do more and to grow in confidence and independence, with support generally provided for six to nine months. Volunteer matches are overseen by a paid coordinator, who also monitors progress. The team also includes a caseworker, to support people whose situation is too complex for a volunteer, and make referrals to other professional services as needed.

Drawing on the expertise and experience of leading figures in the field, academic literature and other evidence, this report presents an update to the first framework published in 2015 and showcases Reconnections as a case study. 

LSE report focusing on work to assess the potential economic costs of loneliness that may be avoided through effective intervention (see also Part One)

Social Finance reviewed how to achieve impact at scale through its experience in innovative projects, including Reconnections. It specifically focused on the transfer of learnings to Independent Age.