Recent figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) indicated that between April 2019 and April 2020 almost three in 10 (28 percent) of White Irish respondents reported an increase in loneliness or continuing to feel lonely often. The proportion is higher than other ethnic groups: 18% of those identifying as White British, 11 percent of those identifying as Black, African, Caribbean or Black British and 10 percent of those identifying as Chinese and other Asian.
The Campaign to End Loneliness describes loneliness as the “gap between the social connections we have, and the social connections we want”.
There is no single way of experiencing loneliness. Many live alone, happy with their own company and remain well connected to others. But sometimes people can be so busy that they do not have the time to notice that they are feeling lonely. Loneliness can be a painful feeling and some of us may dismiss seriously considering whether we feel lonely or not, because it can be uncomfortable to think about ourselves in this way.
In recent years, there has been growing awareness about the ill–effects of loneliness and tackling the stigmas and taboos around it. It may be harder to acknowledge loneliness in some cultures than others. There are many stereotypes about the Irish, including being friendly, sociable people with large families, caring for each other. Stereotypes are just that, stereotypes – and do not hold true for everyone.
People living in a household with others may still experience loneliness. We can live with parents or a partner or children, but despite close physical proximity and everyday interaction, find ourselves feeling lonely in these relationships. Even in today’s super connected world we can feel isolated.
A person may be surrounded by people all the time but feel unable to connect or share their feelings. Even living in a busy city with people rushing around can make someone feel isolated and they might find themselves feeling lonelier than they might have felt previously in a smaller town or village.
Census figures
So what should we make of the recent ONS figures?
While the percentages are not broken down beyond ethnicity, there are some other striking figures about the Irish community that are worth considering. The 2011 census told us that in England around 56,700 over 65s identified as White Irish. Nearly one fifth (19.4 percent) were living alone. This is higher in comparison to White British (13.8 percent) and higher than the combined total for all ethnic groups (12.4 percent). We also know that those identifying as White Irish had the highest median age (53) in the census.
We will find out more about the numbers of Irish people living alone in England and Wales today in the upcoming census in March 2021.
We should not assume however that living alone is the same as being lonely, though this may be linked for some people. The ONS figures are not broken down by age and this area needs further research.
Other striking figures from the last census were that 9.1 percent (47,207) of White Irish were in ‘Bad’ or ‘Very Bad Health’ in the 2011 census in England. This is higher than all other major groups except Gypsy or Traveller (13.9 percent – 7,646).
The large proportion of Irish people feeling lonely, as well as the number in poor health, has consequences for service providers across England. An ONS survey in the spring suggested that ongoing health concerns may be more strongly associated with chronic loneliness. The survey also showed that the impact of the coronavirus on their wellbeing was their biggest concern, particularly among those who often felt lonely.
Irish in Britain’s work
The impact of the pandemic has led many to self–isolate and you may have experienced more loneliness due to a decrease in physical interaction. For the first time in many years, people may not be able to travel to or from Ireland and see relatives over the Christmas period.
Despite these challenges, many have been prompted to embrace new ways of connecting with people. Our community groups have been working hard to promote digital inclusion and many older people have been finding themselves more connected than ever before through video calls.
Our new project at Irish in Britain to pilot KOMP No Isolation devices is just one example of new initiatives to help people connect with others regardless of the limitations on being able to meet physically. Across the country, Irish community groups have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to contact and communicate with isolated and lonely people.
Loneliness need not be inevitable in a community where people look out for each other. Volunteering and getting involved in an activity to aid others can be a brilliant way of helping ourselves and an opportunity to build and renew friendships.
You can check out the Campaign to End Loneliness’ tips for the Christmas period here.