More than half of Britons say they feel lonely at least once a week, with over 20% blaming their living situation for fuelling isolation according to new national research.
The study of 3,000 UK adults, commissioned by shared living platform COHO, found that 51% experience loneliness weekly, while nearly three quarters (72%) have never spoken to anyone about how they feel.
One in five admit they are too embarrassed or ashamed to open up, and more than one in ten say they are being treated on the NHS for symptoms linked to loneliness, including anxiety, depression and stress.
The findings suggest loneliness is now one of the UK’s most widespread mental health challenges, cutting across all age groups.
PRIVATE STRUGGLES
Younger adults report feeling lonely more frequently, with one in five aged 26–35 experiencing it daily, yet 63% say they have never talked about it. Among those aged 60+, a quarter report weekly loneliness, with many similarly keeping their struggles private.
More than 20% say their current living arrangements contribute directly to their isolation, including living with parents or with people they do not get along with. A quarter say they have never sought professional support for related mental health symptoms.
The research also highlights the financial strain, with 42% saying they have spent hundreds or thousands of pounds on treatment. Over 10% have sought NHS support, while 7% rely on charities.
WELLBEING CONSEQUENCES
Professor Andrea Wigfield, Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness and the Centre for Loneliness Studies at Sheffield Hallam University, says: “Loneliness and mental health are closely intertwined.
“Anxiety and depression can make people withdraw from social contact, increasing loneliness, while persistent loneliness can in turn lead to anxiety, depression, sleep problems and a loss of hope.
“Although loneliness is a normal human signal, when it becomes chronic it can have serious consequences for wellbeing.”
HIDDEN ISSUE
COHO argues the findings underline the link between housing, connection and wellbeing, with living arrangements playing a significant role in how supported people feel.
Vann Vogstad (main picture, inset), CEO and Founder of COHO, says their report highlights loneliness as a widespread but often overlooked issue: “Our report shows that loneliness isn’t just an emotional challenge – it’s a hidden issue affecting people across the UK. Many are experiencing it regularly yet feel unable to talk about it.
“The findings reinforce that loneliness isn’t about age – it’s about circumstances. Where and how we live, who we live with, and how supported we feel all play a role. Shared living, when designed around genuine connection and compatibility, can help reduce loneliness – but only when it truly brings people together.”
