Carers – Isolation & Loneliness

Healthwatch Bolton undertook research on loneliness and isolation among unpaid carers. They spoke to 28 carers between October 2018 and February 2019 through surveys and focus groups, collecting 155 comments about how caring responsibilities affected their mental wellbeing and social lives. 

Many carers reported feeling lonely or isolated, often because caring responsibilities left them with little free time, limited opportunities to socialise and reduced access to employment, hobbies and community activities. Participants described feelings of exhaustion, loss of independence and financial pressures, and some said that friends, family and wider society did not fully understand the challenges of caring. Poor weather, transport difficulties and a lack of support could further increase feelings of isolation. 

Carers felt that opportunities to connect with others in similar situations could help reduce loneliness. Many wanted access to social groups, activities, peer support and opportunities to share experiences with people who understood their circumstances. However, barriers such as lack of respite care, caring commitments, work responsibilities, transport issues and limited information about available support often prevented people from attending groups and activities.

The report concluded that loneliness and isolation are closely linked to a lack of support, time away from caring duties and opportunities for respite. Carers highlighted the need for better promotion of local groups, more flexible and accessible activities, improved access to respite services and greater opportunities for both carers and the people they support to take part in community activities.