William Eichler 06 November 2017

Half of UK parents suffer from loneliness, survey reveals

More than half of UK parents suffer from loneliness, a children’s charity survey has revealed.

The Action for Children survey, commissioned to launch the charity’s month-long partnership with the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, found 52% of parents experience loneliness.

Carried out by Survation, the poll of more than 2,000 parents also found 21% had felt lonely in the last week.

Two-thirds (68%) felt they had become ‘cut off’ from friends and family since having children, and a similar number (61%) worry their child is lonely some or all the time.

A separate poll of 500 children discovered 39% felt lonely in the past week.

‘From a toddler who seldom meets people because of their mother’s anxiety, to a young man in his twenties afraid to leave his room in a homeless hostel, we know from our services across the UK the devastating impact loneliness can have on the lives of children, young people and families,’ said chief executive of Action for Children, Sir Tony Hawkhead.

‘Now is the time to raise the volume on this issue and ensure much-needed research, funding and support is put in place.

‘Whilst part of the solution lies with funders and policy makers, there is a role for every one of us in addressing this epidemic in our communities.’

Co-chairs of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, MPs Rachel Reeves and Seema Kennedy, said: ‘Our friend Jo Cox said, “Young or old, loneliness doesn’t discriminate”, and this survey highlights that fact.

‘The worrying thing is the impact this parental loneliness then has on families and young people in particular.

‘Feeling lonely for long periods can be linked to poor mental and physical health – equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Jo recognised the need to start a national conversation about loneliness and it’s essential that charities like Action for Children continue that conversation and highlight the issues.’

Jo Campion, deputy director of the National Deaf Children’s Society, emphasised that the issue of loneliness was especially acute for families with disabled children.

'All too often loneliness is left untackled and unmentioned, sidestepped as a peripheral problem,' she said.

'As this vital new research so clearly demonstrates, for parents, for children, and for families, loneliness can be both devastating and pernicious.

'For families with a disabled child this is doubly true - research shows that 80% of disabled young people report feeling lonely.

'The work I do with deaf children highlights how much more all of us in society need to do to put loneliness firmly on the agenda, and at the forefront of our political thinking.'

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Environmental Services Support Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£25,183 - £25,584
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Environmental Services Support Officer to join our Environment Directorate. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner