Social Isolation

Social isolation has been highlighted as a priority in the Health and Wellbeing Strategy. 

Loneliness and isolation are not the same thing. Social isolation is defined as ‘an objective state determined by the quantity of social relationships and contacts between individuals, across groups and communities’. Meanwhile loneliness is defined as ‘a subjective state based on a person’s emotional perception of the number and/or quality of social connections they need compared to what is currently being experienced’. Therefore, it is possible for an individual to be socially isolated without feeling lonely, or conversely feel lonely without being socially isolated.

There is a growing body of research that identifies and quantifies the impact of social isolation and loneliness on individuals and the wider economy. There is clear evidence that social isolation and loneliness are associated with negative health outcomes, which in turn places increased stress on local health and social care services.