A Growing Public Health Challenge
Loneliness and isolation affect a significant proportion of older residents in Haringey, many of whom can go days or even weeks without meaningful social contact. This isolation not only impacts emotional well-being but is also associated with tangible negative health outcomes, including cognitive decline, increased risk of dementia, and challenges with everyday tasks.
Health experts warn that without intervention, the burden on NHS and social care systems will continue to grow.
“Loneliness is not just a social issue, it’s a serious public health risk. We see it contributing to mental health struggles, physical illness, and a greater demand for healthcare services.”
Dr. Elaine Norris, a local GP.
The Value of Befriending Services
Befriending services, which connect older people with trained volunteers or peer groups for regular social interaction, offer a cost-effective solution to this crisis. Whether through home visits, phone calls, group activities, or community-based programs, these services play a crucial role in restoring connection and purpose in the lives of older individuals.
“Befriending is more than a chat, it’s a lifeline,” said Maria Thomas, coordinator at a Haringey-based befriending charity. “We’ve seen people transform through regular contact. It boosts confidence, lifts moods, and in many cases, helps people live more independently.”
Proven Benefits, Limited Resources
Evidence suggests befriending can reduce the need for more intensive and expensive forms of care by improving mental and physical health, promoting independence, and enhancing quality of life. Despite its proven benefits, many befriending services in Haringey operate on limited budgets, relying heavily on volunteers and short-term funding.
Advocates are urging local authorities and national policymakers to commit to sustained investment. Priorities include:
- Expanding funding for existing and emerging befriending initiatives.
- Recruiting and training volunteers to meet growing demand.
- Supporting innovation, such as digital befriending for those unable to attend in-person sessions.
- Conducting robust research and evaluation to ensure programs are effective and scalable.
A Call to Action
“There is a moral and economic imperative to act,” said Councillor Jasmine Rahman, who is backing a motion for increased funding in the borough’s next health and wellbeing strategy. “With the right investment, befriending services can transform lives and ease the burden on our health and social care systems.”
As Haringey looks to the future, stakeholders agree that combating loneliness must become a central pillar of community health strategy. Befriending services, when properly supported, have the potential to be a powerful force for change, ensuring that no one in the borough grows old feeling forgotten or alone.