New research aims to give social care staff tools to tackle loneliness amongst people with learning disabilities

Dr Carys Banks, a Research Fellow at the University of Surrey, said: “People with learning difficulties are often the forgotten cohort when it comes to thinking about fighting loneliness. They often find it difficult to communicate their feelings and struggle to get the help they need.

“Everyone experiences loneliness from time to time but being perpetually lonely can have serious implications for our long-term health, particularly for those with learning disabilities who are seven times more likely to be lonely than non-disabled people.”

To understand the barriers people with learning disabilities encounter in talking about their experiences of loneliness, a series of creative workshops with those with learning disabilities will be run. Such workshops will include creating collages, walking while talking, storytelling and the use of objects that represent feelings of loneliness.  Dr Banks will also spend time in four different learning disability services observing and conducting interviews with staff to learn if there is more to be done to ensure those with learning disabilities feel more socially connected.

Dr Banks added:  “Although people with learning disabilities may not be socially isolated, even with people around them they can often still feel lonely. By working with staff in learning disability services, we can provide them with the tools to identify and give additional support to those who need it.”

Findings from this study will help create guidance and training that enables staff to help the people they support to develop more social connections.

This study received £456,622.00 from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and will run for five years.

Notes to editors:

Dr Carys Banks is available for interview upon request.

Contact the University of Surrey press office via mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk