Loneliness is a public health crisis and 'neighbourisms' should be part of the cure
Loneliness is a public health crisis and 'neighbourisms' should be part of the cure
NEW Housing LIN Viewpoint (No. 111)
We are delighted to share a new Housing LIN Viewpoint (no. 111) written by Savannah Fishel (Winston Churchill Travelling Fellow, The Innovation Unit), drawing on her Churchill Fellowship research into 54 communal housing models.
In her view, loneliness should be treated as a serious health crisis, one that demands a preventative, community-focused response.
Overview
In her Housing LIN Viewpoint, Savannah introduces the concept of 'neighbourisms': the informal, everyday acts of mutual support within intentional, intergenerational living environments.
These social interactions, from shared meals to casual check-ins, can mitigate the severe health risks linked to chronic loneliness, including malnutrition, heart disease and cognitive decline. Savannah also:
- Highlights intergenerational communal housing as a powerful, cost-effective public health intervention that can help to reduce pressure on overstretched health services. Such models cultivate strong social infrastructure, reduce isolation and improve resilience across age groups.
- Calls for a shift in urban planning and policy by treating social connection as essential infrastructure, as we do with accessibility or sustainability. By designing spaces that encourage neighbourisms, we can prevent health crises before they escalate, and build lifelong neighbourhoods.
APPG on Housing and Care for Older People Inquiry
Savannah also spoke at yesterday’s APPG on Housing and Care for Older People inquiry meeting into intergenerational living, held at the House of Lords, Westminster. The session focused on integrating different age groups within the same housing developments, including in New Towns and major public sector regeneration projects.
Savannah contributed by advocating for policy change that recognises social connection as essential infrastructure, vital for building resilient, connected communities that support wellbeing across generations.
We hope you find this of interest!
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Sally Razey Membership and Communications Officer |