Latest figures have painted a devastating picture.
One in 10 adults in Hull “often or always” experience loneliness, according to survey data.
According to devastating figures from Sport England’s active lives adult survey, 10.4 per cent of Hull respondents aged 16 and over in the two years leading up to November 2024 reported feeling lonely “often or always”. This is compared to just six per cent of respondents living in East Yorkshire.
The survey indicates that across England, seven per cent of adults felt frequently or constantly lonely in the same period, a slight increase from 6.8 per cent in the previous two years. Loneliness is characterised as an “unwelcome feeling of lack or loss of companionship”.
You can find out how lonely people in your area are in the interactive map below. Alternatively, compare the rates for every local authority area in Yorkshire in the list below.
The loneliest place in Yorkshire was Hull, in East Yorkshire, where 10.4 per cent of people said they were “often or always” lonely. This was followed by Leeds, with 8.4 per cent of respondents, and Doncaster, with 8.1 per cent of respondents.
The loneliest place in England was Blackpool, where 12.7 per cent said they were “often or always” lonely. This was followed by Leicester, with 11 per cent, and Nottingham, with 10.9 per cent.
Number of “often or always” lonely people in Yorkshire
- Hull: 10.4%
- East Yorkshire: 6%
- North Yorkshire: 5.1%
- York: 5.6%
- Sheffield: 7.4%
- Doncaster: 8.1%
- Barnsley: 7.7%
- Rotherham: 7.9%
- Leeds: 8.4%
- Bradford: 7.7%
- Kirklees: 6.9%
- Calderdale: 7.2%
Mental health charity Mind emphasised the importance of having people to “share the ups and downs of life with matters”, linking loneliness to adverse health outcomes.
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ justification for including this data in its adult mental health and wellbeing profile stated: “Feeling lonely frequently is linked to early deaths and its health impact is thought to be on a par with other public health priorities like obesity or smoking.” The rationale further noted that lonely individuals are more likely to be readmitted to hospital and have longer stays, while loneliness among employees is associated with poorer performance.
It said: “Loneliness can affect us all, at any time of our lives, with a negative impact on community and individual wellbeing.
“When people feel lonely most or all of the time, this is referred to as chronic loneliness. Chronic loneliness can have a serious impact on an individual’s well being, and their ability to function in society.”
Hayley Jarvis, head of physical activity at the mental health charity Mind, said: “This data from Sport England echoes our own findings in The Big Mental Health Report.
“Feeling lonely can increase stress and is associated with a higher risk of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and sleep problems.”
“Physical activity can be a powerful way to build connections. Whether it’s going for a walk with a friend, joining a running group or taking part in a class, moving together helps create social support and that sense of being valued and cared for.
“These connections don’t just make activity more enjoyable – they can provide an important buffer for our mental health. Having people to share the ups and downs of life with matters, and being active together can help make that happen.”
She mentioned that some individuals find it difficult to meet others in person, but online services like Mind’s Side by Side support community are available. Side by Side is a secure, moderated online peer support community where adults aged 18 and over with mental health issues can share their experiences.
Connect with others and access Mind’s wider information and resources at sidebyside.mind.org.uk..