In Newham, like much of the country, one of the most prevalent impacts of the pandemic has been loneliness and isolation. In a recent ONS report 50% of older people reported poor mental health and over 70% were worried for the future. This has been reflected in Voices for Change responses with many speaking of a sense of loneliness, isolation and its impact on their mental health. In fact 85 responses mentioned loneliness and isolation as a key concern which is around 24% of respondents to the questionnaire.

​

The main factors that contributed to a sense of isolation and loneliness were; missing family, being indoors and lack of social interaction, which was compounded for those having to shield due to an underlining condition.