National Strategies
A connected society: A Strategy for tackling loneliness- laying the foundations for change
This is the government strategy for tackling loneliness in England published in October 2018.
A Connected Scotland: our strategy for tackling social isolation and loneliness and building stronger social connections
This is the Scottish loneliness strategy published in December 2018.
Connected communities: a strategy for tackling loneliness and social isolation and building stronger social connections
This is the Welsh Government strategy on loneliness published in 2020.
A Connected Society: Assessing progress in tackling loneliness
This is an independent report from the Loneliness Action Group which assess the progress made against the English Loneliness strategy so far.
Jo Cox Commission: Combatting loneliness one conversation at a time A call to action
This is the report from the Jo Cox Commission on loneliness calling for a national strategy on loneliness.
Office of National Statistics publications
Loneliness – What characteristics and circumstances are associated with feeling lonely?
ONS Analysis of characteristics and circumstances associated with loneliness in England using the Community Life Survey, 2016 to 2017. Published April 2018.
Office for National Statistics Measuring Loneliness: guidance for use of the national indicators on surveys
This is methodological guidance on how to use the recommended loneliness questions for adults and children and how to interpret and report the findings. Published December 2018.
What Works Wellbeing Evidence reviews
What Works Wellbeing: A Conceptual review of loneliness across the adult life course (16+ years) Synthesis of qualitative studies July 2019
This report is an overview of the conceptualisation of loneliness across 144 sources. It includes studies that conceptualised loneliness in different ways for diverse populations.
What Works Wellbeing An overview of reviews: the effectiveness of interventions to address loneliness at all stages of the life-course
This briefing is based on a systematic review of evidence reviews which intended to answer the question: What is the effectiveness of interventions to alleviate loneliness in people of all ages across the life-course? Published October 2018.
Local Government
Reaching out: Guide to helping principal and local councils tackle loneliness
Published by the Local Government Association and Nation Association of Local Councils this guide looks at the role of local government in tackling loneliness. Published September 2019.
Red Cross Barriers to Belonging
This report from the Red Cross explores the causes of loneliness and obstacles to seeking help for people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
Policy Bristol: Addressing older men’s experiences of loneliness and social isolation in later life. Policy Report 51: April 2019
Research report on qualitative interviews done with older men experiencing loneliness by Bristol University.
