Tackling loneliness has become a key priority for local and central government in England in recent years, with the Government’s Strategy for Tackling Loneliness published in October 2018, following the appointment of a Minister for Loneliness earlier in the year. Following the establishment of the Reading Loneliness and Social Isolation Multi-Agency Steering Group in 2017, the Health and Wellbeing Team and Steering Group identified a need for more in-depth understanding of the dynamics of loneliness and social isolation in Reading and best practices which may help to prevent and tackle it. The Participation Lab was commissioned to undertake this qualitative study, led by Ruth Evans, Participation Lab Leader and Olivia Bridger, Geography undergraduate student undertaking an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Placement at the University of Reading.
The overarching aim of the study was to provide an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of loneliness and social isolation in Reading and to identify best practices which may prevent and tackle it. The research explored in depth the perspectives of practitioners and the lived experiences of different groups of service users, volunteers and community members.
We are pleased to launch our report of the findings at the next meeting of the Loneliness and Social Isolation Steering Group meeting at Reading Borough Council on 17th October 2019. More details to follow soon.