Loneliness: Mental Health

Loneliness can be experienced by anyone at any time, however we know that certain groups are at higher risk, including those aged 16-34. Research also highlights that the relationship between loneliness and mental health issues can be bi-directional, with loneliness leading to poor mental health and mental health issues leading to loneliness. Mental health issues among young people have risen sharply over the past decade, and it is crucial that measures are put in place to address this.

This Government is taking significant action to tackle loneliness among young people, recognising its direct impact on mental health and wellbeing. In line with our commitment to raising the healthiest generation of children, our 10 Year Health Plan sets out how we will work with schools and colleges to better identify and meet children's mental health needs by continuing to roll out mental health support teams in schools and colleges, with an accelerated target of achieving full national coverage by the end of 2029.

Raising awareness and reducing stigma is a core part of our approach to tackling loneliness and improving mental health, including through the Better Health: Every Mind Matters campaign. We have also published the Social Connection Framework to help professionals identify boys and young men who are at risk and are working to ensure half a million more young people have access to a trusted adult outside the home by 2035. Alongside this, the £2.5 billion Youth Guarantee will create up to 500,000 earn-and-learn opportunities, recognising that being out of work increases the risk of isolation and loneliness.