Conclusion

However, the impact of the pandemic, a shift to a more digital world, and a range of barriers to accessing social opportunities mean that more of us than ever before are experiencing social isolation and loneliness.

This report has highlighted a small handful of the great activities that are working to promote social connections in Gloucestershire. We know there are many more out there making a real difference to the people they work with and beside.

Tackling social isolation and loneliness is not the responsibility of just one organisation or group of people – everyone can play their part in supporting people who may be at risk of experiencing loneliness and enabling our communities to have the social connections they need and want. The following recommendations have been grouped into actions that can be taken as an individual, as a community group, or at an organisational level. We invite you to consider what action you can take, as even a small change has the potential to make a big difference to someone who is feeling isolated or lonely.