Loneliness is at its highest in the UK

It IS a country known as a global epicentre of fashion, food and culture. So why are hundreds of thousands of its people so lonely?

BRITISH doctors will soon be able to prescribe community activities like cooking classes and walking groups in an attempt to combat the growing number of lonely people in the country.

It comes as the UK launched its first loneliness strategy this week to combat isolation and depression.

The issue is so bad in the UK that the government has appointed a Minister for Loneliness, Tracey Crouch.

“Nobody should feel alone or be left with no one to turn to,” Ms Crouch said.

“Loneliness is a serious issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds and it is right that we tackle it head-on.”

Prime Minister Theresa May claims ‘loneliness is one of the greatest public health issue challenge of our time’.

Prime Minister Theresa May described loneliness as “one of the greatest public health challenges of our time” on Monday.

“Across our communities there are people who can go for days, weeks or even a month without seeing a friend or family member,” Ms May said.

She likened the severity of the social epidemic to childhood obesity and mental health.

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May speaks with locals after launching the loneliness strategy. Picture: Stefan Rousseau

The Prime Minister linked loneliness to a range of illnesses including stroke, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

“Loneliness is a reality for too many people in our society today,” she said. “It can affect anyone of any age and background.”

The UK Government’s anti-loneliness strategy calls for “social prescribing” which will allow doctors to recommend group activities such as cooking classes, walking groups and art clubs, instead of medication.

About $3.3 million has been committed to increase the number of community spaces available to the public such as new cafes, art spaces or gardens.