Budget 2025 Ask #9 - Tackling Social Isolation: Combating Loneliness in Ireland

Loneliness has become a pressing issue in Ireland, earning the unfortunate distinction of being the loneliest country in the European Union. According to a recent EU-wide survey, over one in five people in Ireland report feeling lonely most or all of the time—a stark reality that underscores the urgent need for action. Loneliness isn’t merely an emotional experience; it is a public health issue with profound implications on mental and physical well-being. The question is, what can be done to reverse this trend, and how can the community and voluntary sector play a key role in tackling this growing issue?

The Complex Landscape of Loneliness in Ireland

The survey data highlights some critical insights: loneliness disproportionately affects younger people, those with lower incomes, and those who have experienced significant life changes such as separation, job loss, or completing their education. Meaningful relationships and regular contact with loved ones can mitigate loneliness, but for many, these connections are not easily accessible. Additionally, loneliness fluctuates with age, income, and education, revealing a complex relationship between social, economic, and emotional well-being.

While interventions exist, they are not evenly distributed. Current supports overwhelmingly target older adults, with over half of loneliness interventions focused on this demographic. Although this is essential—older people are at higher risk of social isolation—loneliness affects individuals across all stages of life. Young people, particularly, are often left behind.

The Role of the Community and Voluntary Sector

The community and voluntary sector is crucial in supporting those affected by loneliness. Nearly two in five (36%) of loneliness interventions are implemented by NGOs, with local governments and joint initiatives contributing additional support. Despite this, the scale of the challenge demands a more coordinated and robust response.

In 2018, the Loneliness Taskforce was established by Dr. Keith Swanick and ALONE to address this very issue, and its recommendations are more pertinent than ever. These include a cross-sectoral Action Plan to Combat Loneliness, which would involve not only NGOs but local governments, health services, and the private sector working in partnership to provide comprehensive support. Budget 2025 should provide the necessary resources to make this plan a reality, ensuring that all sectors collaborate to tackle loneliness effectively.

Why Social Infrastructure Matters

A 2023 report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) sheds light on the critical role of social infrastructure in reducing loneliness and promoting positive mental health outcomes. The report highlights that young adults who live in areas with strong social infrastructure, such as sports facilities, social spaces, and opportunities to gather, experience a lower risk of depression and a greater sense of social trust. Conversely, areas lacking these amenities leave young people more vulnerable to isolation and mental health challenges.

Social infrastructure doesn’t just alleviate loneliness; it strengthens trust in state institutions, the healthcare system, and media outlets, leading to greater social cohesion. In a world that increasingly feels divided, fostering this sense of unity is more critical than ever.

However, not all communities have access to such facilities, especially rural and disadvantaged urban areas. Addressing these disparities should be a priority in Budget 2025. Civic engagement and volunteering, especially among young people, can serve as a "cushion" for communities without robust social infrastructure, offering people meaningful ways to connect and contribute to society.

A Call for Investment: The Social Engagement Fund

To address the growing issue of social isolation, The Wheel has proposed the establishment of a Social Engagement Fund, with an initial investment of €10 million in Budget 2025. This fund would support a range of community engagement programs aimed at fostering social inclusion and providing opportunities for individuals to connect with their communities.

Key beneficiaries of this fund would include:

• Community development organisations working with younger people and those in rural or isolated areas.
• Organisations supporting older adults experiencing loneliness, ensuring they have access to meaningful social opportunities.
• Programs focused on social prescribing, which connect individuals with activities that support mental health and well-being, such as local clubs, arts, or exercise groups.

By investing in community engagement, the government can help strengthen the social fabric of our society, creating more opportunities for individuals to connect and reducing the risk of loneliness across all age groups.

Additionally, a further €1 million over three years is proposed to support the We Act campaign, which would raise awareness about the value of the sector’s work and build the capacity of organisations to demonstrate their impact. This funding would also support a grants program for organisations to undertake communications projects, helping them connect the public with their services more effectively.

Building a Wellbeing Framework

To tackle loneliness and social isolation in a sustainable way, it’s clear that a whole-of-Government response is needed. In 2021, the Irish Government launched its Wellbeing Framework, a comprehensive approach to policy-making that includes 11 dimensions of well-being. However, the framework has yet to deliver on its full potential due to the absence of a cross-sectoral oversight group to ensure its implementation and track progress.

By establishing such a group and allocating sufficient resources in Budget 2025, the government could integrate the Wellbeing Framework more effectively into policy decisions, ensuring that tackling loneliness and social isolation remains a top priority. Cross-sectoral collaboration would also ensure that these efforts are coordinated across various departments, ensuring a more holistic approach to public well-being.

Loneliness is Everyone’s Business

Loneliness is not just an individual issue; it’s a societal problem that requires collective action. By investing in social infrastructure, supporting community engagement, and fostering greater cross-sector collaboration, Ireland can take meaningful steps toward reducing loneliness and building stronger, more connected communities.

The proposals outlined in The Wheel’s Pre-Budget 2025 submission offer a clear path forward. If we are serious about tackling loneliness in Ireland, now is the time to act—before the social, emotional, and economic costs of loneliness become even more entrenched. Budget 2025 offers an opportunity to invest in a more connected future, where no one in Ireland feels left behind.

The Wheel’s Pre-Budget 2025 submission is available HERE