Call for action over loneliness
URGENT action is needed to tackle loneliness and social isolation in Wales, it has been claimed.
One in five people are hit by the problem, leading it to become a major public health issue, according to Minister for Children, Older People and Social Care, Huw Irranca-Davies.
The Welsh Government is launching a national conversation on how best to deal with the issues.
Results from the National Survey for Wales 2016-17 showed 17% of the population of Wales – around 440,000 people – reported being lonely.
It emerged younger people were more likely to be lonely than older people – 20% of 16 to 24 year-olds were lonely compared with 10% of those aged 75 or over.
The knock-on effect of loneliness and social isolation can lead to premature death, sleep problems, high blood pressure, poor quality of life, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, depression and suicide.
Under the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government, Taking Wales Forward includes a pledge to create a nationwide and cross-government strategy to deal with the issues. It is designed to cover people of all ages and backgrounds.
The aim is to deal with issues early on to prevent chronic loneliness, due to the major impact it has on health and well-being and the extra burden it puts on the NHS and social care services.
But there is also a need to ensure support is on offer for those who become chronically lonely.
The Welsh Government has worked out a series of action areas, including improving an individual’s experiences in childhood which will help shape their future.
Housing is also seen as a crucial factor in terms of offering people safe and secure neighbourhoods in the right accommodation, along with social care, which is key in helping people to be healthy and remain independent for longer.
Minister for Children, Older People and Social Care, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Loneliness and social isolation are growing problems not just here in Wales but across the UK and beyond – and with one in every five people now experiencing loneliness and/or social isolation. More of us now understand these can affect anyone, at any age, for a wide variety of reasons.
“They can, and do, have a significant impact on people’s physical and mental health. It risks becoming a major public health crisis unless we act now, and work together to tackle the problem.
“As a government, we are committed to securing the best possible health, well-being and quality of life for all people in Wales. Preventing people from becoming lonely and isolated must be a national priority for us.”
He added: “Neither the Welsh Government nor one agency on its own can combat these issues. As a government, we need to be able to foster the right environment and create the right conditions for others to design and deliver solutions that best meet their needs.
“I am keen to hear from people living in all parts of Wales as part of this consultation process.”