Only the lonely ....

The issue of lonely 21^st century keeps rearing its head up. With some media focus being placed upon the UK being cited as one of loneliest places in Europe (and the world?). Reasons ranging from death oflong time spouse to workplace isolation or moving to a new town and not fitting in. What is apparent is loneliness is ever evident. So where do we go from here?

In isolation comes strength:

How did we get here? ‘Death of community’ in the 1980’s and 1990’s? Where do we go from here? One the reasons loneliness occurs is many good individuals choose not to stand with the negative facets of their families, friends, communities (children who refused to join gangs, students who choose not to join in with sexist activities, professionals who deny the gossip networks etc.) yet just because they lean away from the bad things – it does not necessarily mean they have anything positive to lean towards.

Perhaps the internet was cited as anew outreach phenomenon with the invention of blogging and chat rooms, net meets in the 1990’s; yet the internet can be a double edge sword as we become distracted with so many things that take up our time – often sending us down the wrong pathway.

Efforts to re-engage the lonely?

Everyone is aware that data canbe integrated into mapping systems to highlight regional/district variations. Authorities are then expected to ‘do something’ when the weaker variations are identified. What can local government do?

What about individual choices? Half of adults many define that they are lonely; many people are undertakingvolunteering and it contributes significantly to local communities and wider society particularly in a period of mass austerity.

Volunteering is not just about helping others (elderly, disabled, schools, youth centres etc.) or helping the natural environment or built environment – it’s an opportunity to engage other volunteers and this can lead to new social bonds. Common interest can be found – finding a local volunteer group will help battle your isolation and integrate you into a wider social/professional network of people.

With all the efforts going towards micro-sociality; in times where you may not know your neighbour – reach out to your street. Ask them if they have an opinion on local issues? You may be surprised by the responses …. Once correlated the street, and the larger community can begin working together.

What can you do? Engage your locality - bring people together!