Local NHS Trust offers support to those struggling with isolation and loneliness in the East Riding during lockdown 2.0

According to a survey of UK adults which took place during the first lockdown, one in four (25%) said they had feelings of loneliness in the “previous two weeks”. As we settle into the second national lockdown, there is a concern that this percentage might increase further as a result of continued restrictions across the country.

Many of us feel lonely from time to time and these short-term feelings shouldn’t harm our mental health. However, when the same numbers of people were asked this question in the weeks previous to lockdown, only 10% said they felt feelings of loneliness.

In a matter of weeks, social distancing has left millions more people in the UK feeling isolated, and the longer these periods of restrictions go on for, we must acknowledge the fact that these feelings of loneliness may become more serious or long-term for many people.

Long-term loneliness is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and increased stress. The impact of long-term loneliness on mental health can be very hard to manage and extremely distressing for many individuals, especially for those who live alone.

With the rurality and demographic of East Riding population, it is important that we strive to make changes to everyday life and aid empowerment of our own skills, knowledge and abilities to make connections, improve relationships and ultimately reduce individuals feeling and becoming isolated and lonely.

Our YOURhealth team have developed a ‘go-to booklet’, developed to help all adults across the East Riding who are feeling they need to speak to someone and connect with others. The recommended methods and actions in the booklet aim to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness by encouraging people to learn new skills and take up new or existing hobbies.

You can find the booklet here: https://www.nhs-health-trainers.co.uk/

If you’re looking to make a change to your health and wellbeing but don’t know where to start, find out how you can get further support by calling the YOURhealth team on 0800 9177752 or email HNF-TR.healthtrainers@nhs.net.

The team are based across the East Riding and can help you with several topics for free, including:

• Stopping smoking
• Weight management
• Alcohol
• Stress and anxiety
• Physical activity
• Isolation and loneliness

Alternatively join our Health Trainers on Twitter and Instagram where we will help motivate you and provide you with daily hints and tips:

@healthtrainers1 on twitter        @smokefreegen_er on Instagram