Understanding and Strengthening Local Systems to Address Severe Loneliness in Tower Hamlets
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Helen MacIntyre
Jake Preston
Marnie Freeman
Contact
Check for full-text access
Issue Date
06-May-26
Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Keywords
Neighbourhood health & place-based working , Working with people and communities
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background
Severe loneliness-persistent, painful, and strongly associated with depression, anxiety and poorer physical health-affects 7.4% of adults in Tower Hamlets, exceeding the England average. The borough's high levels of poverty, disability, overcrowded housing, and rapid population churn heighten vulnerability among specific groups. Tower Hamlets Council commissioned Neighbourly Lab (2024–25) to examine how well current provision supports residents experiencing severe loneliness and to identify system-wide improvements.
Objectives
The research aimed to:
Understand lived experiences of severe loneliness across diverse resident groups.
Examine strengths and weaknesses in the local system of support.
Co-produce recommendations for strengthening the borough-wide response.
Methods
A multi‑method approach was used, including desk research, 17 stakeholder interviews, 12 in‑depth ethnographic interviews with severely lonely residents, and a workshop with members of the Tower Hamlets Connection Coalition to sense‑check and refine emerging findings. Analysis was structured using the Promising Approaches framework and a tailored three‑stage model: finding and first engagement; intensive confidence‑building support; and sustained engagement in community life.
Results
The research found there were three key groups of severely lonely residents in the borough:
Housebound individuals facing physical or mental health barriers.
Overwhelmed unpaid carers, unable to address their own social needs.
Those “out in the world” but persistently lonely, despite attending activities.
Across groups, common contributory factors included poverty, inaccessible or unsuitable housing, poor mental health, limited social networks, cultural and communication barriers, and a weakened sense of belonging. System gaps were identified: insufficient tailored support beyond medical care, unreliable community transport, lack of sitting services for carers, delays in repairs/adaptations, overstretched VCFSE capacity, and siloed working.
Discussion / Learning for the Wider Community
The findings highlight that addressing severe loneliness requires a whole‑system approach combining proactive identification, long‑term personalised support, and strong cross‑sector coordination. Key learning relevant to other local authorities includes:
The importance of outreach and home‑based engagement to reach hidden groups.
The value of co‑producing provision with residents, particularly those from minoritised communities.
The need to integrate housing, transport, social care and VCS partnerships into a single, coherent system.
This work provides a replicable framework and evidence‑based recommendations that can support other boroughs to strengthen their local loneliness response.