One in twenty adults normally feel lonely in Northern Ireland - being young and female are two risk categories

The figures came from the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency’s (NISRA) ‘Loneliness in Northern Ireland 2019/20’ report.

However researchers also found that almost two-thirds of people, 63%, reported feeling “hardly ever lonely”.

NISRA found that women were “more often lonely” - its main definition of loneliness - than men - 40% compared to 34% respectively. And it found younger people and senior citizens most likely to suffer, 46% of 16-24 year-olds and 42% of those over 75.

The age group with the lowest percentage of people feeling lonely was those aged 55-64, at only 32%.

Marriage was found to be helpful, with only 25% of those living with their spouse lonely compared to 60% of widows.

Employment too was positive, with only 31% of people in work feeling lonely compared to 45% of those out of work.

Location was also a factor, with 41% of those in urban areas suffering compared to 30% of people in rural areas.

Access to a car seemed to make a significant difference, with 59% of those without one reporting loneliness compared ro 33% of those who were on the road.

This week Health Minister Robin Swann welcomed the BBC’s Christmas Appeal and its focus this year on tackling loneliness.

“It’s important that all of us take the opportunity to connect with people who are struggling and let them know that they’re not alone and support is available,” he said.

Helplines provided by NISRA are;-

:: Age NI’s Advice and Advocacy Service tel: 0808 808 7575

:: The Disabled Children and Young People’s Participation Project tel: 028 3741 4541

:: Barnardo’s NI Young Carers service tel: 028 7963 1344

:: British Red Cross in NI tel: 028 9073 5350

:: Carers NI tel: 028 9043 9843

:: Volunteer Now tel. 028 9023 2020.

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