YORK is experiencing a ‘loneliness epidemic,’ according to a charity as it launches a new scheme to tackle the growing problem.

The British Red Cross said a new in-depth study, ‘Trapped in a Bubble,’ by the Co-op and the charity, had revealed epidemic levels of loneliness and social isolation in the UK, with York identified as one of the areas where people need support.

Chief executive Mike Adamson said a new ‘Community Connectors’ service would provide vital support to about 200 adults suffering from loneliness in the area, but it needed volunteers to get involved.

He said connectors, who were specialists in ‘psychosocial’ support and safeguarding, would work with teams of volunteers to provide up to 12 weeks of intensive, person-centred care.

They would identify relevant activities, interest groups and services to help people gain confidence and become less isolated.

Head of Independent Living and Crisis Response in the North of England, John Morris, said:“York has been chosen as one of the locations for our new Co-op-funded community connector service as it’s an area we’ve identified as having gaps in support.

“Our community connectors will recruit a team of volunteers, who will work with each person to agree goals towards regaining confidence and independence, and provide practical and emotional support to help them achieve these goals.

“This is a crisis we cannot ignore, but if we come together it’s also a problem we can try to solve. Our research shows that life transitions are key triggers for loneliness. We need to focus on these moments and work together to help those suffering from loneliness and social isolation, by responding quickly and helping people to recover once they’ve hit crisis point.”

Mr Adamson said the Co-op was raising funds to help the charity in its effort to tackle the problems, with £20,000 raised in the York area alone and a revised target of more than £5 million.

He said the study had revealed that almost a fifth of the adult population in Yorkshire, Humber and the North East were ‘always’ or ‘often’ lonely.

“The research identifies key triggers that can disrupt lives and create a situation in which loneliness becomes the norm,” he said.

“These include becoming a new mum at a young age, facing empty nest syndrome or retirement, experiencing long-term health issues or mobility limitations, dealing with bereavement and going through a family breakdown, such as divorce or separation.”

* For more information or to sign up as a volunteer for the scheme, go to www.redcross.org.uk/lonely.