William Eichler 11 June 2018

Loneliness prevention initiatives can save councils £2m, council chiefs say

National health policy needs to recognise the ‘cost-effective benefits’ of initiatives designed to tackle loneliness, local government leaders say.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that loneliness is a growing problem for people of all ages and is a ‘major public health concern’.

Loneliness, they said, can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increases the risk of premature death by 26%, and is associated with higher rates of depression, high blood pressure and dementia.

This places a lot of pressure on an already overstretched health and social care system.

‘For too many people, loneliness is their reality all year round,’ said Cllr Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board.

‘They are often less able to look after themselves, which can make existing health conditions worse, and are more likely to become reliant on public services sooner.

‘The older population continues to rise and loneliness is also a burgeoning issue among the younger generation. This is leading to increasing demand on social care and health services, and greater costs to the public purse.’

However, the LGA said councils are doing pioneering work to tackle loneliness which has helped ease the burden on the health sector.

This includes organising community events such as communal lunches and putting in place networks of community connectors (cafe owners, for example) who can refer people to available support.

Mendip District Council, for example, has reduced emergency admissions to local hospitals by as much as 20% and related costs to the public purse by £2m.

‘Councils, working with communities and health partners, are spearheading successful initiatives which are reducing loneliness, improving the quality of people’s lives, and reducing avoidable hospital admissions and health and social care costs,’ said Cllr Seccombe.

‘But significant Government funding reductions is hampering the ability of councils to continue or expand this key intervention and prevention work.

‘To maximise cost effectiveness and improve health and wellbeing, we urge Government to reverse reductions to councils’ public health budgets and plug the funding gap facing adult social care which is set to exceed more than £2bn by 2020.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner