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June 2025 - Health

Social isolation and loneliness affect one in 10 UK adults, according to latest research: A recent study has revealed that an increasing number of UK adults are facing social isolation and loneliness, with one in ten admitting they have no close friends. Furthermore, the report underlines the association between social relationships and a sense of belonging.

The 2025 Belonging Barometer, published by the Belonging Forum, surveyed a nationally representative sample of 10,000 UK adults between the 27^th of November and the 9^th of December last year. The findings revealed that while men were only slightly more likely than women to report having no close friends (11% compared to 10%), an analysis by age showed that men aged 55-64 were significantly more likely to state this compared to younger males  (15% vs 4% 18-24 year olds), while women aged 45-54 were the most likely female age group to report having no close friends(14% vs 4% 18-24 year olds).  

While 29% of UK adults reported feeling lonely at least some of the time, the research found that the incidence of loneliness was more acutely felt within specific demographic groups and different parts of the UK. Notably, students experienced the highest levels of loneliness, with a worrying 50% acknowledging feelings of isolation. Additionally, the unemployed population was also heavily affected, with 44% reporting similar feelings of loneliness. And two-fifths (40%) of people with a disability were more likely to feel lonely.

When analysed by age, women aged 18-24 were significantly more likely to report feeling lonely often when compared to the overall population (51% vs 29%). And on a regional level, people living in London and Northern Ireland reported the highest rates of loneliness (often or some of the time) out of all the other regions (both 35%).

When asked “how much or little do you feel you belong”, the research found that feelings of belonging varied significantly among demographic groups. Those with no friends reported a sense of belonging at only 50%, compared to 7% of those with 10 or more friends. Other groups indicating lower belonging included people who often felt lonely (41% vs 11% not often lonely), individuals with disabilities (31% vs 17% no disability), renters (27% vs 16% homeowners), the unemployed (24% vs 18% employed), and those in NS-SEC groups C2DE (24% vs 10% NS-SEC ABC1).

Kim Samuel, founder of the Belonging Forum and associate fellow at University of Oxford’s Green Templeton College, said: “If we want to build a world where everyone belongs, we must act now to tackle the growing crisis of loneliness and social isolation. This requires decisive action across the public, private, and third sectors, which is why we are launching the world’s first Charter for Belonging, creating lasting solutions to strengthen social connection.”

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