Research from academics shows loneliness is a growing concern for society. Individuals facing depression and physical health issues are likely to experience loneliness. It is a silent oppression to community members and can lead to a shorter life. This issue is very severe and the lack of available support from institutions like the NHS and workplaces is making this matter pressing.
Loneliness affects all ages. It is a painful experience for young people and an aching feeling for adults. Loneliness is common among elders and is a prominent point of suffering. National statistics show that 10-15 year olds had almost 50% low life satisfaction out of the children that often felt lonely. Over 30% of 16-24 year olds stated they didn’t feel they could call their friends for support or company. Furthermore, in both age categories it can be seen health conditions were low and unsatisfactory among those experiencing loneliness.
Furthermore, the impact of Covid 19 was detrimental to people already experiencing isolation and is still being felt 5 years on. National statistics show 2.6 million adults (5%) often or always felt lonely over a month period during lockdown. Evidence also suggests after the pandemic there were higher reports of poor health, sleeping difficulties and higher levels of loneliness. These issues affected mental health conditions and overall happiness.
But all hope is not lost. One paper argues that isolation is a coin, on one side there is sadness and desolation and on the other is peace and stillness. They argue that finding peace in yourself will help flip that coin to a place of solitude.
Cohort 4 smashing loneliness in North Warwickshire
Cohort 4 is a great way to start this process. We deliver long term support and research shows this is the best way to start a restorative journey. Cohort 4 provide skill development groups, events and trips, personal mentoring, craft sessions and a community of friendship. Community interventions are proven to help reduce the feeling of isolation and improve health conditions. We deliver gentle encouragement from professionals with backgrounds in social work and the criminal justice system.
Cohort 4 supports the local community and has brought a sense of purpose back for many individuals. We are honoured to have created a place of safety, harmony and rest and welcome anyone in need.
More information
To read more on this topic and the research referenced in this blog, visit these articles:
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Coronavirus and loneliness, Great Britain: 3 April to 3 May 2020 by National Statistics. Published in 2020. Access here:Coronavirus and loneliness, Great Britain – Office for National Statistics.
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Loneliness in children and young people by National Statistics. Published in 2018. Access here: Loneliness in children and young people – Office for National Statistics.
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The impact of loneliness on depression, mental health, and physical well-being by Oluwasegun Akinyemi. Published in 2025, in the journal: PLoS ONE.
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Impact of loneliness on diurnal cortisol in youth by Ellen Jopling. Published in 2021, in the journal: Psychoneuroendocrinology.
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Social isolation in Covid-19: The impact of loneliness by Debanjan Banerjee. Published in 2020, in the journal: International Journal of Social Psychiatry.
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Impact of loneliness on health- related factors in Australia during the COVID- 19 pandemic: A retrospective study by Shradha Vasan. Published in 2022, in the journal: Health and Social Care in the Community.
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Impact of loneliness and depression on mortality: results from the Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam by Tjalling Holwerda. Published in 2016, in the journal: The British Journal of Psychiatry.
Author, Ash Clark, University of Worcester on placement at Cohort 4
December 2025
