Loneliness isn’t just an emotion—it’s a serious public health issue that can damage mental and physical wellbeing while leaving people open to exploitation.
A recent capacity-building event, supported by Verwood House, brought together over 20 local organisations to tackle this growing concern.
The event, organised as part of the Crane Valley Primary Care Network’s Community SWITCH programme (a support service signposted through local GP surgeries), featured talks by Jo Morris, Assistant Clinical Director of the Primary Care Network, and Dr Nikki Scott, GP at The Cranborne Practice.
Both highlighted how loneliness is linked to depression, anxiety, weakened immunity, heart disease, and even cognitive decline, such as dementia.
Damian Cranny, Dorset Police Fraud Protection Officer, also warned that social isolation makes individuals highly vulnerable to financial scams, as fraudsters prey on people seeking connection.
“This is a call to action,” said Jo Morris. “By working together, we can build stronger networks to help people make meaningful connections while protecting them from harm.”
The event demonstrated how coordinated efforts—aligned with the objectives of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams—can bring together charities, community groups, the NHS, local government, and patient representatives to share resources, develop shared care plans, establish local partnership hubs, deliver joint awareness campaigns, and build a seamless safety net for lonely individuals.
