Public Health Newsletter: Loneliness and Social Isolation

June 2023

Loneliness and social isolation

The need for a local strategy has been highlighted in several key documents. Feedback from residents suggests it is one of the main reasons for attending community venues such as Welcoming Places.

Age UK defines:

• Isolation as 'separation from social or familial contact, community involvement or access to services'
• Loneliness as 'an individual's personal or subjective lack of these'

Therefore, it is possible to be isolated without being lonely, and to be lonely without being isolated. It is important to recognise that isolation and loneliness can impact people of all ages.

South Tyneside Council and it's partners held a face-to-face consultation event in March which is being used to shape a loneliness and isolation strategy for the borough.

This consultation asked for a Loneliness Network, which met for the first time on Tuesday 30 May 2023.

There are also a number of activities taking place to launch this work. 

This includes  The Great Get Together (23 to 25 June 2023) and the launch of Chatty Cafés.

If you are interested in becoming a Chatty Café there is an information workshop on Monday 26 June 10am to 12noon at Newcastle Building Society, Denmark Centre (upstairs community room). If you would like more information contact Chrissy Hardy on christina.hardy@southtyneside.gov.uk