CAMRA is launching a major campaign aimed at highlighting the important role that pubs and clubs play in ending loneliness and social isolation. Readers might be surprised to learn how widespread the problem is and that it crosses the generations. A recent survey by YouGov revealed that 18% of those aged over 55 haven’t made a new friend in the past six years while 70% of them experience loneliness to some extent, a feeling shared by 88% (yes, 88%) of those aged between 18 and 24.
Nik Antona, CAMRA’s National Chairman said in his Christmas message, “According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, social isolation is as bad for your health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. I know that pubs are at the forefront of helping fight social isolation, and often this hard work by licensees isn’t recognised. At this time of year, when we spend time with our friends and family, it’s easy to forget that not everyone has someone to go down the pub with. These establishments provide wonderful places to meet new people and renew old acquaintances. I would therefore like to ask you all to help address the issue of loneliness by taking someone new to your local over the holidays or into January. As well as possibly addressing the problem of loneliness, you will also be helping support the Great British Pub. If you are out enjoying the delights of a pint and you spot someone sitting alone, why not go over and have a chat. You never know, you might just make a new friend and potentially recruit a new member.” This, of course, does not just apply to the holiday period. It is something that we can do all year around.
The campaign also gives you the opportunity to share your stories about how the local pub has helped build your social network. You can share your story using the hashtag #mypubstory or contact fightingloneliness@camra.org.uk. Joining up with your local CAMRA branch can also be a way to link up with like-minded people in your community. Details of their socials, activities and events can be found in the branch diaries at the front of the magazine.
As mentioned on page 33, community pubs in rural areas are particularly important in this respect, especially for older, vulnerable and more isolated residents. It helps them access local services and feel part of their communities. Many pubs operate initiatives such as ‘Meet up Mondays’, bringing people together for a chat. John Longden, the Chief Executive of Pub is the Hub, said that it was positive to see the Government recognise the social role of pubs and their staff in supporting communities, “Pubs run by good licensees are part of our national identity and can strengthen the fabric of all communities, particularly in rural areas where they support issues such as loneliness or social isolation.” Heineken UK has donated £100,000 to Pub is The Hub to fund a two-year pilot programme called Join Inn – Last Orders for Loneliness, inspired by the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness campaign. The aim is to help pub owners, operators, local authorities and rural community bodies review the role pubs play in providing social spaces and fund a part-time advisory ambassador for loneliness to identify good practice from individual pubs and cascade it across different regions and communities.
One group particularly affected are former pub and bar workers. The Licensed Trade Charity has set up a network of volunteer telephone befrienders to help them. For more information contact the LTC’s Helpline on 0808 801 0550.
Finally, I’m not claiming that there is a natural link between loneliness and mental health but I thought that this was worth reporting. The football fans among you will recall that the 3rd round games in the FA Cup (4/5 January) all started a minute late to draw attention to the Heads Up campaign being run by the Football Association in association with Heads Together, the mental health initiative created by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The aim is to tackle the stigma and ‘change the conversation’ on mental health. Heads Up particularly wants to demonstrate that mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. I heard a retired player interviewed on BBC Radio 5 who said that in his day players with mental health problems dared not admit it. They ‘self-medicated’ with alcohol or drugs. He believed that the situation had not significantly improved. It is not my place to preach, let alone offer medical advice but, if you think that you have a problem, please don’t sit at home – or even in the pub – pouring alcohol down your throat hoping that it will go away. Get help, please.
Compiled by Tony Hedger from various sources