Loneliness and isolation are not just personal issues, they’re societal ones. In the UK, loneliness has been dubbed a “silent pandemic,” with millions feeling disconnected from their communities. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the number of people who are chronically lonely has risen to 3.83 million, half a million more than in the first year of the pandemic. This is a significant increase, with 7.1% of the population now saying that they are always or often lonely.
But what if there was a way to combat this loneliness, to foster real connections and create a sense of belonging? Enter cohousing communities, a solution offered by A Fairer Society.
What are co-housing communities?
Cohousing communities are intentional, collaborative neighbourhoods that foster a sense of community and connection. They offer a solution to the loneliness and isolation that many people experience in today’s disconnected society.
So, what is the main cause of loneliness?
It can be many things, from living alone to a lack of social interaction. But one of the key factors is a lack of community connection. That’s where cohousing can make a difference.
Cohousing communities are designed to foster connection and community. They offer shared spaces for socialising, communal meals, and regular community activities. This can help to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, providing residents with a sense of belonging and a community to rely on.
But what happens to people in isolation?
Isolation can lead to a range of mental and physical health issues, from depression and anxiety to heart disease and a weakened immune system. There is no single solution to the growing ‘silent pandemic’ but it’s the responsibility of us all to try and find solutions that can benefit our society, communities and us. The reason we champion cohousing communities is because we have the seen the results from projects across the UK. It’s amazing the difference it make to people’s lives, providing regular social interaction and a supportive community.
So, how do you deal with loneliness?
We believe one of the most effective ways is to foster real, meaningful connections with others. And that’s exactly what A Fairer Society is trying to build through cohousing communities and other inititives in the workplace and your community. Take a look at some recent micro-grant projects and how a small grant can benefit a street, neighborhood and the local community. Our aim is to work with you to provide a space for people in your community to connect, to share experiences, and to support each other.
In conclusion…
Loneliness and isolation are significant issues in today’s society. But they’re not insurmountable. With projects such as cohousing communities, we can foster real connections, combat loneliness, and build a fairer society. To find out more about cohousing and how it can help to combat loneliness, take a look at our articles on co-housing communities and projects across the UK on the links below and you can also take a look at our latest articles and blogs.
Living in Intentional Communities: Exploring Cohousing
Co-op housing 5 UK examples that are working for One Planet Living
Cohousing: Bringing you better places to live
The importance of community in your neighbourhood
You can even take a quick 1 minute quiz to see if you need a ‘better place to live’.
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