Public health news: Loneliness and Social Isolation

Public health news: March 2025

There are over 29,000 adults and over 5,000 young people in South Tyneside who say they are  'always or often' lonely.

There is often a stigma around loneliness where people see it as a personal issue or something that isn't very serious. People who are older feel that being lonely is simply a part of getting older.

The South Tyneside Loneliness Network are working hard to change how people view loneliness.

Evidence tells us that loneliness can have a huge impact on the individual. Loneliness can be a risk factor for:

• dementia
• substance use
• high blood pressure
• depression

Being lonely can also lower life expectancy and is more harmful for the individual than obesity or smoking (around 15 cigarettes a day).

There is so much for people to do in our borough but often people don't know what's out there.

There may also be barriers that stop people getting out and about, such as:

• confidence
• cost
• travel

The Loneliness Network have written a Loneliness and Social Isolation Strategy which aims to remove some of these barriers.

To launch the strategy, we are holding 'Connectfest' which celebrates the activities available in South Tyneside. It's a chance for people to find out what's on offer under one roof.

Come along and join us on Friday 11 April 2025 from 10am to 2pm at Temple Park Leisure Centre.

If you belong to a service who would like a stall at the event or would like to join the Loneliness Network, please email christina.hardy@southtyneside.gov.uk.