Predictions of a potential loneliness epidemic have prompted action.

Reports have already revealed loneliness and isolation posing potential problems for the future, particularly among the elderly population, and many organisations are already taking steps to tackle this.

One Denholme developed from the Let’s Talk About Loneliness project launched three years ago by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

The project saw local people trained as community researchers. They also liaised with more than 2,000 residents of all ages from neighbourhoods within Bradford and York.

The culmination of the project was the launch of a resource kit to educate how to identify and combat loneliness within our communities.

Focusing on Bradford Moor and Denholme in Bradford and the Carr Estate in Acomb and New Earswick in York, the researchers talked to people about their feelings on loneliness.

Jean and Paul Winter became researchers for the project in Denholme after responding to a leaflet advertising a meeting about the project.

The couple were keen to get to know the area better having just moved there. The project also gave them the opportunity to get involved with the local community.

One of the important findings was loneliness didn’t just affect older members of the community.

“It can hit anybody and there are lots of different reasons for loneliness. Young children can be lonely,” says Jean.

To address this, the couple and a team of volunteers decided to organise events to involve people in the village and get people together through One Denholme.

Their aim was to arrange activities for everyone including those who often find it difficult to socialise such as those who have lost a partner.

Jean says the regular film nights which launched a year ago at the Mechanics Institute on the first Friday of every month have proved the perfect opportunity. They also run a walking group and host a regular games night.

But Jean is keen to emphasise that while Denholme was selected for the project, it isn’t a lonely place. She believes it is the demographics of its rural location which lead people to perceive it could be lonely.

Jean believes people don’t need to be lonely – they just need to know what is going on so they have the opportunity to join in. “I can’t emphasise enough how good the film night is. It has attracted a lot of people who live on their own,” she says.

“It’s all ages as well, and they feel comfortable coming to local events in their community.”

The team recently received a £500 grant from Denholme Parish Council so they can buy their own equipment for film nights.

“If people don’t get out and talk to people, they can start feeling depressed and they lose their confidence. That isn’t very good, not only for society and the community, but for health reasons,” says Jean, referring to the activities One Denholme has set up.

Denholme Town councillor, Anne Sheriff, who was also a community researcher with the Let’s Talk About Loneliness project and is involved in One Denholme, says: “I think isolation is probably becoming more of an issue with people anyway. We are in Denholme, it is a fairly remote area; people have less money to spend.

“But we have been a lot more active about making sure we are keeping in touch with people,” says Anne, referring to the technological benefits of bringing together such as social networking and the village app.

“It is making sure people know what is there and they can join in.”

Claire Turner, from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s Policy and Research department, says: “The reason for us thinking about the importance of doing this work was because of the significance of loneliness and knowing that it is really detrimental to your health. It can be as detrimental as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being obese.”

As well as raising awareness about loneliness and the fact it can affect young people too, Claire says the study has also enabled people to talk about loneliness.

“One of the biggest barriers that has been overcome is people are talking about their own loneliness and thinking about others who are feeling lonely. That was really important, but also to have this positive message that there are things you can do because it can feel quite hopeless. One Denholme shows getting local people involved is really beneficial.”