Six in ten education workers feel lonely, British Red Cross research reveals

Sixty per cent of those working in the education sector feel lonely always, often or sometimes, according to new research released by the British Red Cross.
 
The Red Cross polled over 4,000 UK adults and found that three in ten (30%) people working in Education don’t have colleagues they feel close to or can talk to about it.
 
The findings of the research suggest a lack of meaningful social connections could be contributing to people’s feelings of loneliness and isolation as in the Education sector. Over a third (36%) of people say they often feel alone, like they have no one to turn to.

Well over two fifths (45%) of those who do have people they feel close to or can rely on say those people live far away from them. Meanwhile 14% don’t have friends they feel close to or can talk to.

 
The survey also found that of those in the Education sector who felt lonely almost six in ten (59%) said their loneliness is having a negative impact on their life, and 56% worry their loneliness will get worse. Over two thirds (67%) often feel completely alone when surrounded by people and over a quarter (27%) of people said they have no strategies for coping with their loneliness.
 
Zoë Abrams, Executive Director of Communications and Advocacy at British Red Cross said: “Loneliness and social isolation doesn’t discriminate.  Life circumstances can change in the blink of an eye, meaning it can happen to anyone, no matter your age or background.
 
“We all need someone to turn to in a crisis, but the findings of our research suggest that there are many people in our communities feeling they lack meaningful, human connections.  This will be concerning for all of us to hear, no matter where we live in the UK, or with whom.
 
“Every one of us would want someone to reach out to us if we found ourselves all alone. People who need our help may be closer than we think, and could feel much more connected if we offer them our kindness.
 
“The British Red Cross is there every day, helping people connect with their communities. A donation this winter could help ensure we continue this vital work supporting those most vulnerable.”
 
Text KINDNESS to 70141 and donate £5 to help make sure support is there for those who need it most.