District has top loneliness level

South Holland has the highest level of loneliness in the county, according to government figures.

More than 12 per cent of the adult population said they ‘often or always’ felt lonely, the Office for National Statistics survey has revealed.

North Kesteven has the lowest rate at 1.7 per cent, West Lindsey was 12.1 per cent and Boston 4.2 per cent.

A report that went before the county council’s Adults and Community Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee yesterday (Wednesday) morning outlined the issue.

There had been suggestions that the county council create a strategy for social connections, but the report says it would ‘add no material value, nor should the issues be considered in isolation.’

The recommendation was not to create a separate strategy for the county.

“Lincolnshire does not have a social connection strategy. The council and its partner agencies already recognise this in their strategic documents and provide significant services designed to create the conditions for social connection,” says the report.

“Many other groups and organisations in the county are alert to the issues”, the report added.

The survey on levels of loneliness was conducted via the Office for National Statistics during the height of the pandemic and the numbers were published in April 2021.

North Kesteven came in top with the least amount of people feeling lonely, at 1.7 per cent.

The county already maximises the opportunities to identify needs in order to improve both health and wellbeing, says the report.

Organisations such as the Men’s Sheds, Carers Service, One You Lincolnshire, Call Connect and Dementia Family Support Services were among those listed as already having a direct impact on wellbeing.

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