‘No surprise’ young people most affected by lockdown loneliness, says Co-op Foundation CEO

Responding to latest ONS findings that show young people are the age group most likely to be affected by lockdown loneliness*, Nick Crofts, Chief Executive of the Co-op Foundation, said:

“It is sadly no surprise that young people are the age group most likely to be affected by ‘lockdown loneliness’. Over more than a year of social distancing, they’ve seen schools and colleges close while physical interactions with each other have been hugely restricted. Every adult, parent and policy maker should be aware of the impact this can have on young people’s wellbeing. We all have a role to play in providing support as restrictions are lifted and we return to a more ‘normal’ life.

“However, there is optimism. Our Locked Down, Looking Out research also shows that, despite many young people feeling lonelier than a year ago, they’re also embracing co-operation as a way to help their peers. Two thirds say they’re more likely to reach out to others in need while almost half say lockdown has made them think more about people in their community, and they’ve taken action to help. We’ll build on this spirit of solidarity through our Lonely Not Alone campaign, which encourages young people to support others who feel lonely and need help.”

The Co-op Foundation is Co-op’s charity. We help people challenge inequality and co-operate for change so they can share a fairer future.

We’ve awarded grants to community organisations tackling youth loneliness since 2017 and helped to develop resources and networks that will support youth workers to better tackle the issue. Our Lonely Not Alone campaign works with young people to combat the stigma of youth loneliness. Read more online or follow our 2021 plans on Twitter.

*ONS defines ‘lockdown loneliness’ as those who said their well-being had been affected by the coronavirus through feeling lonely in the last seven days.