Local Age UK warns loneliness is increasing in Sussex, leading to distress, dementia and disease

This Loneliness Awareness Week (15–21 June), Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove (WSBH) is warning that loneliness across Sussex is increasing, with serious consequences for both mental and physical health.

As well as causing distress and contributing to depression, loneliness has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, stroke and coronary artery disease*.

A recent Sussex survey found it’s a growing problem in the area too, with levels of loneliness and social isolation rising by more than 5% in just 18 months**. This evidence tallies with the charity’s experience – Age UK WSBH is increasingly contacted by people looking for companionship, while its befriending service struggles to meet demand.

Jo Clarke, Deputy Chief Executive at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove said: “Loneliness can be heartbreaking. Calls we get to our helpline can be incredibly distressing as people describe going for days, or even weeks, without meaningful conversation. Studies have also suggested loneliness could be as harmful as obesity, or smoking3, so it’s a health issue we should all be taking seriously. “We’d encourage people to use Loneliness Awareness Week as an excuse to check on older family and friends, and those feeling lonely to get in touch with our friendly, approachable team. We’ve also launched a new fundraising campaign so we can offer more people somewhere to turn when loneliness hits. Donations can help us change silence into support.”

Age UK WSBH offers a range of social groups, clubs, classes and befriending services, for men and women across West Sussex, Brighton & Hove. Coping with loneliness can be very difficult. One woman in her 90s, who is blind, disabled and housebound, told her new Age UK WSBH befriender: “I put the TV on even though I can’t see it. It feels like there’s something alive in the house.”

Another older person described returning from hospital to an empty home: “It was devastating to come home from hospital on my own. They just sent me home and there was no one here.’ Then the difference her befriender made: “It was an instant rapport between us. It was wonderful to know she would be there for me and would be my friend. From the second visit she’d walk in, put the kettle on and we’d put the world to rights. We had such wonderful conversations. I have nieces and nephews, but I don’t hear from them. I’ve been left alone. I’m sure they don’t realise how difficult it is to manage on your own.”

To help meet rising demand, Age UK WSBH has launched a fundraising campaign to ensure more local people can access support and companionship. Anyone who wants to donate can do so by visiting www.ageukwsbh.org.uk or by calling 0800 019 1310.

If you or someone you know would benefit from Age UK WSBH’s loneliness support, please call 0800 019 1310 or email info@ageukwsbh.org.uk