New Survey Reveals Extent of Loneliness Among Parents in Wales

Family support charity is warning of a loneliness crisis among parents as it releases new survey findings today.

A new survey commissioned by leading family support charity, Home-Start UK, reveals potential widespread loneliness among parents in Wales, with almost 4-in-5 (77%) reporting they have experienced feeling lonely or isolated.

The results are part of a UK wide study, carried out by YouGov, highlights the scale of isolation felt by parents and carers during critical stages of their children’s development and identifies an urgent need for addressing loneliness for families across the country.

Key findings from the national survey include:

• Isolation among parents: Almost 1-in-5 (18%) of parents surveyed say they rarely or never have meaningful contact with another adult outside their household, showing the extent of isolation experienced by many families. 
• Younger parents are more likely to feel isolated: Young parents are much more likely to report feeling isolated than older parents. 28% of parents aged 18-24 say they always or often feel lonely, compared to 20% of parents aged 35-44, and just 16% of parents aged 45-54.
• Difference made by employment: Parents who are not working are over twice as likely to always or often feel lonely or isolated, than those who are working, with people who are unemployed three times more likely (working: 16% v unemployed: 48% v not working/other: 36%).  
• Loneliness is felt by dads as well as mums: Men are as likely as women to say they rarely or never have meaningful contact with other adults outside the household (17% v 19%) and are just as likely to say they often or always have feelings of loneliness and isolation (18% v 20%).
• Lower incomes make isolation worse: Those on lower incomes are more likely to say they always or often feel lonely, compared to those on higher incomes. (24% in C2DE v 15% in ABC1), and the high cost of living being the leading factor given contributing towards feelings of loneliness or isolation (48%)

In response, Home-Start Cymru, which supports families and children in Wales is calling for more volunteers, more donations and is encouraging families to come forward for support. 

CEO, Jayne Drummond said: 

“In the past year, Home-Start Cymru made significant strides in supporting 1,250 families and 2,000 children, representing a 4% increase in the number of families receiving help. While stress and resilience levels for families remained unchanged, the organisation’s support ensured that these families did not experience a decline in these areas despite mounting pressures, such as the 8% increase in children’s mental health struggles. Maintaining stability in stress and resilience during these challenging times underscores Home-Start Cymru’s critical role in providing a consistent, supportive environment for families in need”

Peter Grigg, Chief Executive of Home-Start UK, which represents 177 local Home-Starts across the UK, added:
“This survey paints a painful picture of a loneliness crisis in parenthood. Even though we are more digitally connected than ever, too many parents are missing meaningful connections with other adults, and this is having a devastating impact on their ability to cope as well as on child development.

Parenting can be so joyful, but where parents and carers are isolated, parents can lack emotional support and children miss social interaction. Parents and carers are the most important factor in a child’s development and so it is important for all our futures that we provide compassionate communities of support for families in the critical early years of childhood.”

The findings highlight a silent epidemic faced by parents feeling cut off from the wider community, with social isolation having consequences on their mental health. With inflation driving up the prices of basic living essentials many families are finding it difficult. Financial strains can cause them to cut back on social activities which leads to further isolation.

The new survey of parents reveals the Impact of rising Cost of Living and the mental health concerns of parents. 48% of parents cited the high cost of living as a significant factor contributing to their feelings of loneliness or isolation while 43% of parents acknowledged that mental health challenges play a role in their sense of isolation. Those with the youngest children find physical distance from family and friends as a major contributor to their loneliness and would like more community-based support. 

Home-Start Cymru have today joined a new national campaign – “We answer the cries you don’t hear” – to raise awareness of the challenges faced by parents. Three poignant short films have been made to highlight critical issues such as maternal mental health, the impact of the cost of living on families, and the grief faced by parents with young children, and to ask – who is there for parents facing crisis?

The campaign highlights the immense challenges faced by families. An example of this was a mother supported by us. Zainab, after escaping the Taliban in Afghanistan, faced isolation as a new mother in Swansea. Her situation improved when a health visitor referred her to Home-Start Cymru. With the support of a volunteer, she learned English, received essential items, and gained confidence to navigate her community. Inspired by her experience, Zainab later became a volunteer herself, helping other families in need. Her story highlights the transformative impact of our support in fostering resilience and rebuilding lives.

Inspiring Stories: Zainab’s story of resilience, trust and friendship. 

Zainab’s story is one of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Living in Afghanistan, Zainab and her husband faced the constant threat of the Taliban seeking out young boys for sinister purposes. Zainab’s husband and brother-in-law, both small in stature, were at risk of being taken.

In 2009, Zainab’s husband and brother-in-law decided to seek safety by moving to London for further studies. It was a courageous decision, but one that offered a glimmer of hope for their future. Zainab, however, was left behind, waiting for the right moment to escape.

Finally, in 2011, Zainab decided to leave. To disguise herself and avoid suspicion, she blackened her face and hands, and wore shabby clothes. It was a harrowing journey, and it wasn’t until she reached Dubai that Zainab, reunited with her husband, felt a sense of safety.

Upon arriving in Manchester, Zainab and her husband faced new challenges. They didn’t speak English, and Zainab was terrified to venture outside alone. The fear and isolation were overwhelming. However, their lives took a turn when they moved to Swansea and welcomed their first son into the world.

The health visitor recognised the vulnerable situation and referred Zainab’s family to Home-Start Cymru. This referral marked the beginning of a supportive and transformative relationship between Zainab and her volunteer.

Through regular home visits, trust was established, and Zainab began to feel safe. Her volunteer became her lifeline, helping her learn English through conversation and providing practical support. Home-Start Cymru assisted with essential items such as nappies, food from the local food bank, clothes, and toys, as money was extremely tight.

With the guidance and encouragement of her volunteer, Zainab gradually gained the confidence to venture out on her own. She no longer relied on taxis, instead choosing to walk to local parent and toddler groups and playgrounds.

Home-Start Cymru played a crucial role in supporting Zainab’s family throughout their asylum seeker paperwork process. The volunteer not only assisted with administrative matters but also helped Zainab navigate the cultural norms and legalities of her new home.

Home-Start Cymru was there whenever Zainab needed help, whether it was providing a listening ear for emotional support or offering guidance on various issues. The organisation had become an integral part of her support system.

As Zainab’s family began to settle into their new life and their file was officially closed, Zainab felt a strong desire to give back. Inspired by her own journey and the support she received, she became a volunteer herself, providing support to other families who were going through similar experiences.

Zainab’s story is a testament to the transformative power of Home-Start Cymru and their volunteers. From the darkest moments of fear and uncertainty to finding strength, resilience, and eventually giving back, Zainab’s journey exemplifies the positive impact our volunteers have on families in need