Mental health, senior groups applaud new U.K. Ministry of Loneliness

Despite a constant connection to the world in the palm of our hands, loneliness and its widespread impact continue to plague populations.

Looking to address the serious loneliness problem in its own country — ironically after isolating the country through a vote to leave the European Union — British Prime Minister Theresa May has established a Ministry of Loneliness. MP Tracey Crouch will head the ministry.

It comes in the wake of a report from the Joe Cox Commission on Loneliness saying more than nine million people in the country often or always feel lonely. Studies have shown about one in five Canadians experience some degree of loneliness or social isolation.

The appointment to tackle social isolation and broader mental health issues in the United Kingdom was applauded by local mental health and senior groups, who said it is a problem Canadians needs address as well. Executive Director of the Prince Albert branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association Doug Kinar said the move is an opportunity for government to recognize and elevate an important issue that merits public discourse.

“Once that problem is recognized, people are willing to discuss it and talk about it,” Kinar said. “That brings it to the forefront and allows intelligent discussion about what is the issue and why is it there.”

Battle ready

Predators set to defend title as new PGLL season approaches

3h ago

Riderville

Riders Have Options Heading into Tuesday CFL Draft

8h ago

Weekend hockey

PAGC set to host largest Senator's Cup tournament to date

8h ago

Removing loneliness from people’s lives, according to Kinar, can pay positive dividends in one’s mental health. He used the organization’s drop-in centre as an example of a space where people are welcomed and accepted by peers.

Kinar said loneliness can stem not only from isolation, but also a lost sense of purpose.

“People can be in a whole group and still feel isolated,” he said. “The issue that happens – and you have heard of being stir crazy or of cabin fever – is anybody who is at home for a long weekend by themselves, they tend to not have that sense of purpose as their drive all week long is to be at work.”

He said it “would be a wonderful idea” to see provincial and federal governments mirror the idea.

Seniors Advocacy Group head Dr. John Fryters highlighted how seniors often fall victim to social isolation. The topic is one his group is readily attempting to get ahead of. 

“We have programs designed to pull people out of the situations they are in and to pull people out of social isolation and loneliness,” he said. “What seems to be happening is once they become retired or after they lose a spouse, they can withdraw and they sit in their home… and seem to be isolating themselves.”

While some say social media has pushed us further apart and hampered physical connectivity, Fryters believed it could benefit seniors. He said the group has plans in to place to start a social media literacy program for seniors, instructed by high school students.

He said the government has earmarked some funds to help the group deal with social isolation, though he did not believe enough was being done. Fryters made note how many European countries were at the forefront of the matter, weaving innovative ways to deal with the chronic situation, while Canada lagged behind.

While he would like to see the government create a similar Ministry of Loneliness, he did not think it would happen.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr