Open arms: the role of pubs in tackling loneliness

Pubs, and their publicans, are a key part of our community infrastructure alongside libraries, cafes, shops and community centres. Given their role we wanted to build our understanding of how pubs can use their place in our social life to tackle loneliness. This research was undertaken prior to the Covid-19 pandemic hitting the UK. With vulnerable people shielding, people losing loved ones, isolation and feelings of loneliness have impacted many more (young and old) people as a result of the Covid crisis. At the same time, pubs, as the natural hub of local communities in bringing people together, have been closed for the majority of the pandemic. Within this context, the report and its findings highlight why tackling loneliness is more relevant than ever.