Getting creative about addressing social isolation

Researchers and practitioners across the United Kingdom are working hard to address a growing public health concern: social isolation and loneliness.

Embedded in their studies and recommendations are a few potential takeaways for arts and culture organizations, which we know from our research have a unique opportunity to re-frame themselves as places of social connection and bonding.

The facts

Loneliness is bad for you.  

According to studies emerging from research institutions across the UK, loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, avoiding exercise, and consuming alcohol in excessive quantities. Loneliness at work affects productivity and profits. And loneliness isn’t isolated to one demographic – people across geographies and age groups experience social isolation.

The opportunities

Cross-sector partners across the UK are using this data to get creative about how they can help people across their communities connect with one another. Without requiring much of an intellectual leap, we’re starting to see a number of opportunities for the arts sector to apply similar strategies to their spaces and programs—welcoming people in to connect with one another and advance their sense of well-being.

Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite examples coming from across the Atlantic:

"Happy to chat" buttons

A cross-party commission started a campaign to end loneliness in honor of the late MP Jo Cox. Their initiative began with a simple effort to hand out “Happy to chat” buttons that anyone can wear to let anyone -- neighbors, friends, or strangers -- know they’re there to talk.

Creativity at the Clinic

The Robin Lane Health and Wellbeing Centre believes that social interaction is as critical as conventional medicine when it comes to patient wellbeing so they created an on-site cafe that hosts regular singing sessions, poetry-and-a-pint events, and comedy nights.

Rural Coffee Caravan

The Rural Coffee Caravan combats social isolation and promotes community spirit by visiting rural communities to help bring people together; provide a social atmosphere complete with coffee, tea, and cakes; and share information on community benefits, services, and resources.

Talking Tables

Sainsbury’s, a major UK grocery store chain, created “Talking Tables” in their store cafes “to help people be better connected to the communities they live and work in.”