Mental health suffering as three million left alone in their homes

THREE million Britons are left isolated, alone and trapped in unsuitable homes, according to research.

And the number is likely to rise to nearly four million in 20 years’ time.

More than a quarter

(28 per cent) of those living alone say their mental health is suffering, the equivalent of more than 2.2 million people.

Government data reveals a million people living alone do not have friends or family for company and more than 600,000 have no one to rely on in an emergency.

The figures are revealed in a study called Home Aloners: The True Cost Of Living Alone In Britain Today, by the Community Led Homes partnership.

Its head Samantha Jones said: “Despite being great for millions of people, solo living can have its pitfalls.

“That’s the beauty of community-led housing for people who live on their own.

“They can have their own private home with the backup and support of neighbours.

“Lots of people even choose to cook, eat and socialise with their neighbours in shared spaces that have been built into the development.

“This is more than housing. This is security, community and even friendship.” The number of Britons living alone hit more than eight million in 2018 and is expected to rise to

10.7 million by 2039.

Researchers asked what people living alone would most want to have in their local area.

Nearly half (47 per cent) said they want people in their local area who would know if they were sick.

More than one in three (38 per cent) wants to be able to socialise with others locally or wants a neighbour to talk to if they have a problem.

And a quarter want common spaces where they can get to know neighbours.