Loneliness Week: How social prescriptions are helping the lonely and isolated
Ahead of Loneliness Week (15-21 June 2026) Anne Strong from Bury described how loneliness and social isolation affected her physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing, and how ‘social prescriptions’ have been vital to her recovery.
When my husband died, I got into bed and stayed there. I didn’t want to wake up. I didn’t leave the house. I was heart-broken, angry and lonely.
She said: “I was married to Graham for more than 30 years. He was the love of my life. When he died everything felt pointless and the loneliness was overwhelming.”
Figures show that 82% of UK adults have experienced loneliness.* The World Health Organisation’s 2025 report on Social Connection identifies social isolation and loneliness as a global health crisis affecting one in six people worldwide and leading to 871,000 deaths each year.**
Anne explained that her husband’s death led to her becoming lonely and housebound: “I really struggled with my grief and felt angry and scared. My diabetes was out of control and I couldn’t face anyone. I just hid away. My husband always handled everything, so I had no idea how to cope with day-to-day life.”
Referred to the social prescribing team working with Bury’s GP practices, Anne said that one year on, her life has “changed dramatically.”
Social prescribing connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their mental and physical health and wellbeing. Social prescribers work one-to-one with patients to tailor support for those feeling lonely, anxious, isolated and struggling with mental health issues. They also help people with bereavement, housing or debt challenges.
Social prescriber, Rebecca Martin, visited Anne at home, supported her through weekly social drop-in sessions and activities, referred her for housing support, occupation therapy, plus budgeting and wellbeing courses. Anne said: “People cannot believe the change in me. Rebecca helped me face the world again.”
Anne’s increased activity and independence has improved her mental and physical health. Rebecca explained: “Anne’s now a regular at weekly events and activities, she has made friends, lost weight and is better able to control her diabetes. It’s great to see her smile again.”
Research reveals that prolonged loneliness and social isolation has a mortality risk equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.***
Dr Ben Shafar, Clinical Director for Whitefield Primary Care Network, said: “Loneliness is brutal and can have a significant impact on a patient’s health and wellbeing. GPs can’t cure everything with tablets and social prescribing’s holistic approach is making a real difference to peoples’ lives. Our team of social prescribers have the time to understand what matters most to each patient and they have the skills and knowledge of local community groups and services who can help.”
Mark Beesley, Bury GP Federation’s Chief Officer added: “Our figures show that more than 5,850 patients benefitted from social prescribing from 1 April 2024 – 30 March 2025 across Bury and in 2025-2026 loneliness accounted for more than a third of all referrals (34%) to social prescribers.”
Anne added: “Obviously I miss my husband every day, but instead of feeling overwhelmed by grief and loneliness, I now have reason to get up, somewhere to go and people to meet. I’ve lost weight, feel healthier, can do my own shopping and use public transport to access different groups. I think Graham would be very proud.”
Patients can self-referral to the social prescribing team without the need of a GP practice appointment.
To contact the social prescribing team directly, please email gmicb-bu.socialprescribing@nhs.net
