Hobbies could hold key to beating loneliness, say Lib Dems

14 Feb 2026, 00:42

Ed Davey painting pottery during a visit to ManchesterLiberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats believe hobbies could be the answer to the UK's growing problem of loneliness and social isolation.

The party has said £42m could be spent to extend the opening hours of spaces such as libraries and community centres, while a further one-off £40m could go towards helping existing hobby groups hold outreach events or buy equipment.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: "Sharing a passion with others in your community is one of the most powerful ways to fight loneliness."

The government says it is committed to helping people to make social connections across a wide range of its social policies.

At the end of last year, the Office for National Statistics research found that 33% of Britons aged 16 to 29 reported feeling lonely "often, always or some of the time".

Long-term loneliness can have damaging health consequences and has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia in later life.

The NHS has, in recent years, started investing in 'social prescribing' which allows health professionals to refer patients suffering from loneliness to charity-run services such as art classes or gardening.

In 2023 more than one million people were referred to NHS social prescribing services.

The King's Fund health think tank has said there is a "growing body of evidence" that suggests social prescribing can lead to positive outcomes, such as boosting someone's self-esteem as well as improving their mental and physical health.

However, it has said there are gaps in the evidence base including, the optimal circumstances for delivering social prescribing.

The Liberal Democrats have argued that the country faces a "silent epidemic of loneliness" and that a lack of community spaces is forcing people to find human interaction online.

The party has said it would set up a 'Hobby Hub' network - listing libraries, community centres and pubs where groups could meet for activities - and integrate the network into social prescribing programmes.

The hobby hubs would give GPs additional options when recommending activities for their patients.

It has estimated that £42m of funding per year could help hobby hubs in England stay open for an additional 300,000 hours.

Sir Ed said: "The Liberal Democrats want to breathe new life into British high streets and community centres to give everyone a place to do what they love, with other people who love it too.

"It is so important that we do not allow isolation to become the new normal."

Culture minister Stephanie Peacock has previously said: "This government is committed to supporting people to have the social connections they need across the nation.

"Rather than treating loneliness as a standalone issue we are embedding this across wider government strategies, including the National Youth Strategy, the Pride in Place Strategy and the Men's Health Strategy."