New research released today by Post Office has revealed that Brits are feeling much lonelier than they were just three years ago, with increased financial woes and a lack of communication and connection with others driving the shift.

A poll of 2,000 UK adults has shown how prevalent and more commonplace loneliness is today, with over two thirds (67%) agreeing that it’s a bigger issue in society now than it was pre-2020.

Of those who have felt lonely in the last 6 months, 60% said a lack of connection with other people has been a contributing factor, while almost half (48%) cited money worries as one of the main causes.

What’s most staggering perhaps is that it is those aged 18-24 who have felt the loneliest over the last 6 months, with over two thirds (70%) feeling isolated and disconnected the most.

This is in stark comparison to those aged 65 and over, with just over 1 in 3 (36%) admitting to feeling lonely of late.

According to the survey, almost three quarters of Brits (73%) believe meeting up with friends and family can combat loneliness, with other alternatives including joining a club or organisation (57%), starting a new hobby (53%) or playing a sport (43%).

And when it comes to verbal over physical action, nearly half (49%) believe talking to someone about feeling lonely can help lighten or remove the hardship it can bring.

Visiting retailers and hospitality venues are also popular coping mechanisms for Brits, with more than 1 in 5 (21%) choosing to go to specific locations in order to see and interact with people when they are feeling lonely – the most popular include a supermarket (43%), a pub (42%), a café (40%) or a restaurant (33%).

Those aged 25-34 are the most likely to pamper themselves when they are feeling lonely, with more than one third (37%) visiting the hairdressers and 30% booking an appointment with a beautician.

In a recent report published by London Economics, it was found that the Post Office is especially valuable to rural communities, as it serves as a vital backstop by providing services in person with face-to-face support – and the research validates that.

More than 1 in 5 (22%) go to the Post Office when they feel lonely and over half (55%) agree that it is the heart of the community. What’s more, nearly a quarter (24%) are more likely to visit a High Street with a Post Office branch, compared to one without.

The survey has been conducted by Post Office to highlight the importance of in-person services to the health and wellbeing of the nation. Simple tasks like a walk to the local Post Office can help give much needed human contact for people in our communities.

Until the 31st March, a trip to the Post Office doesn’t just help fight loneliness, it will help fight poverty and hunger too. For every over-the-counter cash withdrawal at Post Office branches, it is giving 1p to the Trussell Trust to help to fund the wide range of support it provides through its network of food banks to individuals and families nationwide, who can’t afford the essentials.

Having raised £295,000 last year, Post Office hopes to better that in 2023 by reaching its target of £330,000, to help make a difference to the lives of people who need it the most.

To expand their partnership this year, Post Office is also collecting financial donations to the Trussell Trust across its entire branch network so customers can also donate their own money to support the work of the Trussell Trust too. This is in addition to the 150 Post Offices which also collect food donations for their local food bank.

Mark Cazaly, Head of CR at Post Office, said: “We’re thrilled that Post Office is partnering with the Trussell Trust again this year to help fund the incredible work they do across the country. As the cost of living continues to bring hardship along with feeling of loneliness and isolation, many people are choosing to use cash as a way to help them manage their budgets and stay afloat. The cash withdrawal services at Post Offices allows customers to withdraw the exact amount of cash needed, meaning they can manage their spending smartly while helping us raise money for this incredible charity. Supporting local food banks has never been more vital than it is now, and I hope we can raise our target of £330,000 to help those struggling to make ends meet in the current climate.

Stuart Andrew MP, Minister for Loneliness, said: “This important work from the Post Office highlights how simple things such as meeting up with friends and family, taking part in sport and staying in touch via a letter can help those feeling lonely.

“I also encourage people to look out for our Better Health: Every Mind Matters campaign with its message to Lift Someone Out of Loneliness by taking similar steps, such as inviting them for a walk or cup of tea.”

When it comes to the subject of money and banking, more than a third (38%) of respondents said the local bank in their area is no longer open and, as a direct result, the same percentage now use Post Office to carry out banking services. Interestingly though, almost a quarter (23%) are not aware that Post Office provides banking services. In a recent separate online survey by Post Office in association with the Trussell Trust, sadly 44% of respondents said their current finances make them feel anxious or depressed.

Earlier research by the Post Office showed that people were less financially secure at the end of 2022 than the same time in 2021 with 20% of people saying they couldn’t go for less than a month if they lost their regular income, compared to 14% in 2021. This comes at a time when around 1 in 3 of the population are using cash for budgeting purposes, and this is higher for those who face struggle to manage their finances.