Loneliness in Supported Living: How Do We Combat Social Isolation?

Loneliness is a universal human experience. In fact, when the Office for National Statistics (ONS) conducted a survey in December 2024 to January 2025, 7.7% of UK adults felt lonely often or always – that’s 1 in 13 adults. 

However, for individuals in supported living, it can be a significant challenge that affects both emotional and physical well-being. While supported living services are designed to provide a safe and independent environment, loneliness can still arise due to various factors. Understanding what loneliness looks like, its causes, and how to promote connection within supported living settings is important for improving well-being and quality of life. A Gov.uk survey highlighted that disabled adults (15%) were more likely to report that they felt lonely often or always than non-disabled adults (3%); something that deserves addressing in health and social care. 

 

What Does Loneliness Look Like in Supported Living? 

According to a recent survey by the Campaign to End Loneliness, 25.99 million people reported feeling lonely occasionally, sometimes, often or always – nearly 50% of all UK adults – and with 3.83 million experiencing chronic loneliness, a figure that’s risen by 6% since 2020, it’s a surprise that we still find loneliness a difficult thing to identify.  

Loneliness can manifest in different ways. Some individuals may openly express feelings of isolation, while others may exhibit signs through changes in behaviour or mood. Common indicators of loneliness include: 

• Withdrawal from social interactions or activities. 

• Increased sadness, anxiety, or depression. 

• Changes in sleep patterns. 

• Lack of interest in hobbies or daily routines. 

• Expressing feelings of emptiness or being unwanted. 

• Increased dependence on staff due to a lack of peer support. 

• An analysis conducted by Gov.uk on how and why young disabled people experience loneliness proposed a lack of social prescribing (encouraging people to engage with community activities, groups, and services) as a reason for loneliness, with “poorly advertised” extracurricular activities held by the VCSE sector, health services, and local government. 

With all this in mind, it is essential for staff and caregivers to recognise these signs early to implement support strategies effectively. 

 

Common Causes of Loneliness in Supported Living 

Several factors can contribute to feelings of loneliness in supported living settings, including: 

1. A loss of familiar relationships. Many individuals in supported living have experienced the loss of close family members, friends, or even previous living arrangements, leading to a sense of disconnection. 
2. Limited social opportunities. Some individuals may have fewer opportunities to engage in meaningful social interactions, whether due to mental health conditions, or geographical isolation. 
3. Difficulty in forming relationships. People with disabilities or mental health conditions may struggle with social skills or confidence, making it challenging to form and maintain friendships. 
4. Changes in routine or environment. Moving into supported living can be a major adjustment and a new environment with unfamiliar people can initially heighten feelings of isolation. 
5. A lack of family visits or community involvement. When family members or friends do not visit regularly, individuals may feel abandoned or less connected to their previous support networks. 

 

Impact of Loneliness on Emotional & Physical Well-being 

Loneliness has tangible effects on both mental and physical health that can worsen over time if not properly addressed. A study on the epidemiology of loneliness reflected this, concluding that during the course of a mental health crises, loneliness tends to become more severe without intervention from mental health professionals.  

Prolonged loneliness has been linked to: 

• Increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders. 

• Higher levels of stress and reduced coping mechanisms. 

• Poor self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. 

• Cognitive decline in older adults. 

• Increased risk of physical health issues such as high blood pressure, weakened immune system, and heart disease. WHO, the World Health Organisation, declared loneliness as bad as 15 cigarettes a day, and a global health concern in 2023, while Campaign to End Loneliness used a 2015 study to highlight that loneliness can lead to a 26% greater risk of early mortality. 

So, with this vital need to address loneliness not just for our own mental well-being, but for the overall health and longevity of individuals in supported living, it’s time we learn how to recognise the signs of loneliness. 

 

How to Recognise Loneliness in Supported Living 

Being aware of loneliness is the first step in tackling it. Therefore, staff and caregivers should: 

• Regularly check in with the people they support and encourage open conversations about feelings and emotions. 

• Observe changes in behaviour, mood, or engagement levels. 

• Pay attention to individuals who spend extended periods alone or show reluctance to participate in activities. 

• Encourage self-expression through creative outlets such as writing, art, or music, which can also reveal underlying feelings of isolation. 

 

Activities That Create Connection & Social Inclusion 

Creating a supportive and inclusive community in supported living requires intentional efforts, and these activities are a great starting point to encourage connection and reduce loneliness: 

1. Group activities and social events. Regular events such as movie nights, board games, group exercise classes, and themed celebrations encourage social interaction and a sense of belonging. 
2. Peer support groups. Encouraging people in supported living to help one another through structured peer groups can build friendships and provide emotional comfort. 
3. Encouraging hobbies and skill development such as gardening, art classes, and music sessions that can provide people in supported living with engaging outlets and common interests to bond over. 
4. Technology for connection. Teaching individuals how to use technology for video calls, social media, or online interest groups can help them stay connected with loved ones and the broader community. 
5. Provide opportunities to engage with local volunteer programs or community projects that provide purpose and connection. 
6. One-on-one engagement activities like walks, crafts, or conversation sessions for individuals that may struggle with group settings. 

 

Responsibilities of Staff in Combating Loneliness 

The role of staff in reducing social isolation is crucial, and responsibilities should include: 

• Being approachable, empathetic, and proactive in forming genuine connections with people being supported. 

• Encouraging socialisation while identifying and facilitating opportunities for people in supported living to engage with others in ways that suit their personalities and comfort levels. 

• Monitoring emotional well-being, keeping track of any behavioural changes and seeking professional support if necessary. 

• Personalising support plans and recognising that each person’s social needs are unique; adapting activities to align with their interests and abilities. 

• Advocating for people in supported living services, ensuring that individuals have the means to maintain relationships with family, friends, and community members outside the supported living environment. 

 

Respond to Loneliness in Supported Living 

Loneliness in supported living is a challenge that requires ongoing awareness and action. By recognising the signs, understanding the causes, and encouraging social inclusion through meaningful activities, staff and caregivers can make a significant impact on the lives of people being supported. According to the Big Mental Health Report 2024 by Mind, adults and young people of all mental health experiences feel their well-being is worsening and with what we’ve learnt so far, it’s likely due to a lack of awareness of social isolation.  

That’s why in supported living services especially, active steps to end loneliness and boost well-being matter now more than ever before. 

You can read more about loneliness in the UK and exploring the loneliness epidemic with mental health here. 

 

References 

UK Measures of National Well-being Dashboard – Office for National Statistics  

Community Life Survey 2023/24: Loneliness and support networks – GOV.UK 

Facts and Statistics | Campaign to End Loneliness 

Epidemiology of loneliness in a cohort of UK mental health community crisis service users | Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 

NHS England » Social prescribing 

Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 

UK Measures of National Well-being Dashboard – Office for National Statistics 

The Big Mental Health Report – Mind

Holt-Lunstad et al., ‘Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review’,Perspectives on psychological science 10.2 (2015), pp. 227-237