Welsh Government Ministers say “Anyone can feel lonely, but help and support is available.”
“Gall unrhyw un deimlo’n unig” meddai Gweinidogion Llywodraeth Cymru, “ond mae cymorth a chefnogaeth ar gael.”
New findings from the Welsh Government National Survey on loneliness confirms that feelings of loneliness show a strong relationship with well-being, and that lonely people reported much lower satisfaction with life.
The Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, said:
“Loneliness and isolation are feelings that can touch us at any age and any stage of our life. It’s good to hear from the survey that fewer people feel lonely, but we know that those who were already feeling isolated have felt it more strongly this year.
“Yesterday, I spoke to Desmond Hall, who is blind and lives alone. He receives a call, once a week, from an Age Cymru volunteer, Remo Sciubber. Desmond says this regular call makes all the difference for him, in remaining connected with the outside world.”
The survey, covering 2019-20, showed that younger people were more likely to describe themselves as lonely than older people, as were individuals with a mental health condition or who were in poorer general health.
In spite of the Covid-19 pandemic, during May to September 2020 fewer people reported loneliness than in previous years. Data is not yet available for the winter months.
However, there is a strong socio-economic connection with loneliness, and material deprivation is a significant risk factor.
Julie Morgan continued:
“We want to ensure people remain connected - this is why I launched Wales first ever loneliness and social isolation strategy, called Connected Communities. We are making the first step in helping to change how people think about loneliness and social isolation.”
The Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, said:
“Loneliness isn’t just about being on your own, and having no-one to share things with. It is about feeling lonely. It is about who is there for you.
“Anyone can experience loneliness, but winter can be a particularly difficult time, and especially this year. Connecting with friends and family through the pandemic has been difficult, but many people have found innovative ways to link up through online events, or by supporting others in their community.
“Yesterday I spoke to a volunteer, Remo, who makes a regular weekly call to an elderly person as part of Age Cymru’s ‘A Friend in Need’ service. This kind of call can make a big difference to someone who’s experiencing loneliness and isolation, and also to the volunteer.
“I want to thank volunteers across Wales for your hard work and support throughout this difficult year – your care and kindness has made a huge difference.”
Age Cymru’s Chief Executive, Victoria Lloyd, said:
“Feelings of loneliness and isolation have always been a huge challenge for older people but the pandemic has compounded the problem, especially as we approach the festive period where many would have normally met up with families and friends.
“This means it’s vital that communities continue to support older people throughout the festive period and into 2021. Offering to do some shopping, pick up prescriptions or just have a chat over the telephone can help reassure older people.
“This year both formal and informal volunteering has made a huge difference to older people and communities throughout Wales and has shown us all how much our communities care.”
Notes to editors
Notes for editors
- The Welsh Government National Survey can be viewed online from 9.30am on Tuesday 22 December, here:
Support groups
- If you’re feeling lonely and isolated, advice and support is available at: https://gov.wales/safe-help
- Age Cymru provide free telephone friendship calls for people in Wales who are 70 or over. Please call 0300 303 44 98 open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm.
- The British Red Cross coronavirus helpline https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-with-loneliness
Loneliness is one of the 46 national indicators used to measure progress against the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. The Act was designed to improve the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. It also features in the Public Health Outcomes Framework for Wales, which considers the various economic, environmental and social factors that impact the health of the individual, the community and society. Loneliness is an indicator for “living conditions”, supporting the development of cohesive communities. The Social Services National Outcomes Framework, which focuses on care givers and care receivers, also uses loneliness as a measure of well-being for these individuals.
Case studies
Community groups tackling loneliness
TIDE – the power of connection
This is a UK-wide charity tide (“Together in dementia everyday”) which brings together carers of people living with dementia to share their stories to influence positive change. Their work not only connects people to talk about key issues but it enables carers to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to share their voices with key decision makers in Health and Social Care.
Amy Kordiak of TIDE said:
“The key issue that have come out for carers of people with dementia since the Covid-19 lockdown has been isolation and loneliness. Opportunities for connection, even in more normal times, are limited, due to their full time caring roles.
“We sent a survey to carers at the start of lockdown, asking if we could do anything additionally for them at this time. Their caring responsibilities have been even greater due to the worries about the health of people they are caring for – external visits for respite care or daily care were limited or non-existent. Caring duties became relentless.
“To fill the gap, we’ve offered training, get togethers and quizzes online, as well as online sessions on young-onset dementia, living grief and bereavement, and sleep resources. Where possible, we’ve recorded webinars to enable carers to watch at a convenient time.
“Feedback from carers has been really positive. Caring is such a tough thing to do, building support networks, and enabling people to talk things through with someone who understands makes the world of difference.”
For interviews please contact vicki@tide.uk.net
Nanny biscuit (Flintshire)
Nanny Biscuit is a local project that is entirely volunteer run and led. The project aims to bring together people in the community in a positive, empowering and purposeful way to create change in areas such as mental health, isolation, disability, and older people. The group has been offering free and subsidised food packs to people and families that are vulnerable, shielding, or self-isolating. They also coordinate ‘good deeds’ for local care homes such as sending birthday gifts to residents, setting up pen pals, and organising socially distanced music performances. More on their story.
Pictures attached – Nanny Biscuit 1 and 2