Loneliness

A significant impact on wellbeing can be people feeling lonely. 

What is loneliness?

Loneliness can affect anyone, at any age. It’s more than just being alone - it’s the feeling of being disconnected or not having the relationships you want. Loneliness can impact mental health, and poor mental health can make loneliness worse. This can create a cycle that’s hard to break.

Why it matters

Loneliness isn’t just about feelings, it can affect your health. Research shows that loneliness can increase the risk of depression, dementia, heart disease and even early death. In fact, its impact can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 

The local picture

In Kensington and Chelsea: 

• 7 per cent of residents feel isolated or “left out” some or all of the time
• 10 per cent feel a lack of companionship often or always
• around one in three people aged 65+ live alone
• many residents face challenges like disability, discrimination, or rising living costs - all of which can increase loneliness

What you can do

Small actions make a big difference: 

• say hello to a neighbour
• call a friend or family member
• join a local group or activity
• take up an activity, such as group wellbeing walks
• find volunteering opportunities in the area