Latest figures have painted a devastating picture.
(Image: Justin Paget via Getty Images)
England’s loneliest places have been mapped – and one Yorkshire city is among the most desperate when it comes to connection.
According to Sport England’s active lives adult survey, more than one in 20 adults in Yorkshire and the Humber “often or always” feel lonely. Loneliness is characterised as an “unwelcome feeling of lack or loss of companionship”.
Of the people aged over 16 who answered the survey, 7.4 per cent in Yorkshire were “often or always” in the two years leading up to November 2024. 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.
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
- Kirklees: 6.9%
- Calderdale: 7.2%
- Leeds: 8.4%
- Bradford: 7.7%
- Sheffield: 7.4%
- Doncaster: 8.1%
- Barnsley: 7.7%
- Rotherham: 7.9%
- North Yorkshire: 5.1%
- York: 5.6%
- East Yorkshire: 6%
- Hull: 10.4%
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, which included 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 report further noted that individuals experiencing loneliness are more likely to have extended hospital stays and repeated admissions, and loneliness among employees can lead to reduced performance. It added: “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.”
It came as mental health charity Mind emphasised the importance of companionship, stating that having people to “share the ups and downs of life with matters”, as loneliness is associated with adverse health outcomes. Hayley Jarvis, who leads 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.
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“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.”
Acknowledging that some individuals may find it challenging to meet others in person, Jarvis pointed out online resources such as Mind’s Side by Side support community. Side by Side, she explained, is a secure, moderated online peer support community where adults dealing with mental health issues can share their experiences.
For those interested in connecting with others and accessing Mind’s broader information and resources, visit sidebyside.mind.org.uk..
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