13 to 19 May 2024 is Mental Health Awareness Week

Loneliness is a growing social problem, and awareness has been growing steadily over the last few years due – in part – to many of us experiencing loneliness for the first time during the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A 2022 study from the Campaign to End Loneliness found that almost half of Brits felt lonely at least occasionally, and a shocking 3.8 million experienced chronic loneliness.

Anyone can experience loneliness, and it’s something that can come and go, or become more persistent. It can be experienced throughout life, not just later life. In fact, some research suggests that younger people may experience loneliness most often. This is why it’s more important than ever that we all have strong communities around us, for when our social circumstances aren’t as we’d wish.

Pubs play an incredibly important role in combating loneliness. Publicans and their staff provide stability and regular conversation for many people who experience loneliness and social isolation. Most venues host events, which can be a great way to meet new people and support your local pub or social club at the same time. Even something as simple as live music or a comedy night can encourage people to leave the confinements of home and socialise with others.

CAMRA’s National Director for Pub and Club Campaigns, Gary Timmins, said: “Loneliness can have a terrible impact on people’s health and wellbeing, but in many cases pubs and social clubs offer a solution. Across the UK, licensees and their staff provide an environment that offers stability and regular human contact for people who would otherwise face social isolation. It’s just another reason why these venues must be treasured as the social and community assets they are.
“We want to encourage more pubs to get involved in hosting community events, but also to show people who might be struggling that their local could be a lifeline. It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 81 – anyone could be experiencing loneliness and a visit to their local could offer vital support – whether it’s for a lunch, a comedy evening or a quiz night.
“It is also important to remember that social groups, such as local CAMRA branches, tackle loneliness too. Sometimes just being invited on a brewery tour or a pub crawl with fellow beer lovers can change someone’s day for the better. We can all do it our bit by ensuring we actively encourage the social side of CAMRA.”

You can find out more by going to www.camra.org.uk/wellbeing