One in four UK adults can't recall last time someone outside family called to ask how they are

Source: Premier

Around 26% of UK adults cannot remember the last time someone, other than family, called them to ask how they were, a new study has found. The survey, which was conducted by Savanta ComRes and commissioned by Premier Lifeline - the national Christian helpline, coincides with Blue Monday, suggested to be the most challenging day of the year - particularly for those living in isolation.

The poll, which surveyed over 2,000 respondents, found that those aged 35-54 were least likely to remember having received such a call with one third (31%) saying they couldn't recall someone outside their family phoning to enquire as to how they were doing.

Premier Lifeline's latest campaign, Call5 is looking to encourage the UK public to be more proactive in calling at least five people they know would benefit from a phone call.

Jonathan Clark, Director of Premier Lifeline, says: "It's no secret how tough the past 12 months have been for people who live alone and it's fair to say Blue Monday this year is going to be bluer than ever. While the fact that a quarter of Brits can't remember the last time someone called to ask "How they are?" may not be a surprise, it's a very simple one to remedy. Every one of us could play a role in helping a friend or a neighbour and it's as easy as just picking up the phone."

Almost three years after Theresa May's Conservative government launched their 'loneliness strategy' the impact of isolation reached near epidemic levels before the coronavirus pandemic, but since the start of the COVID-19 crisis many medics have identified a corresponding "loneliness pandemic".

While there was little difference in the Savanta ComRes study between the genders (male 24%, female 28%), there were some noticeable variations between the regions. 26% of those in England could not recall such a conversation, whereas those in Wales were less likely to have had a call, with 37% saying they couldn't recall a time they had a non-family member calling to ask the question.

Clark continues: "Call5 encourages each of us to contact five people to simply check in with them. With lockdown restrictions expected for some time yet, that phone call could really be the lifeline that the person needs. COVID and lockdown has shone a light on the extremities of isolation and loneliness that have been an increasingly concerning issue in this nation, even before the pandemic. We want this campaign to be a simple reminder to everyone that they can play a part in tackling loneliness and that everyone can make a difference."

The Call5 campaign is encouraging individuals to call five people in their network. Campaign organisers hope to map the spread of connection by having those participating register at: http://ow.ly/pcj750CHLs9

Read also about the SVP's Rise to the Challenge campaign: www.svp.org.uk/rise