CAMRA Column
How best to use pubs to combat the loneliness of living alone
IN TODAY’S society, the number of single occupancy households is at the highest level it has ever been, and studies have shown that people experiencing loneliness miss simple things in life, such as a drink in the pub, a country walk or a shared meal.
A few years ago, CAMRA commissioned a study by Oxford University called ‘Friends On Tap’ which explained how community pubs can help fill gaps left by loneliness.
Peak holiday times can actually deepen feelings of isolation because, if you’re alone, it can look as though the whole world is having a party to which you’re not invited, but the problem is not seasonal: for many, this is a year-long struggle.
Pubs can be one answer because you can enter and buy a drink without having to join anything, and it is acceptable to speak to strangers. However, it’s not necessarily as easy as some people suggest.
When you are a regular pub goer, as CAMRA members are, walking into a pub is simple, so it’s easy for us to forget that others may find the prospect daunting, partly because of the fear that you may end up sitting on your own in an unfamiliar environment. Furthermore, it’s still true that many women prefer not to enter a pub on their own.
First you have to find a suitable pub: not every pub is a community local. Try to find out about suitable pubs before venturing out: for example, from other people, from the local papers and online.
Perhaps go when there is entertainment, because then it doesn’t matter if you’re watching – say – music alone as people will assume that’s why you’re there.
Quizzes, music nights and sometimes comedy are probably the most common types of entertainment. Pub games, such as darts or pool where you can join the queue to play, may be another way of breaking the ice. It is not even necessary to drink alcohol: alcoholfree drinks are generally available nowadays, as well as soft drinks, tea and coffee.
Simply getting out of the house can be beneficial, and it may take more than one visit before your face gets known. Pubs cannot solve all the problems of loneliness, and some people may genuinely not like them anyway, but CAMRA is correct that pubs can help reduce isolation for many people.
The national CAMRA website is at: camra.org.uk. The Southport & West Lancs Branch website is at southport. camra.org.uk.