Lleida is at the centre of new work in Catalonia aimed at tackling unwanted loneliness, according to Carles Alsinet, director of the Social Innovation Chair at the University of Lleida (UdL). He said that living alone does not mean being alone, and that some people have a network even when they live by themselves.
Alsinet, who works in social psychology, said unwanted loneliness is often linked to a lack of community projects and weaker social ties. He said people can feel isolated when they do not know where to turn, or when their communities do not give them the tools to feel included.
He pointed to the loss of older customs that once helped neighbours connect, including informal gatherings and outdoor social time. In his view, this affects children, young people, adults and older people alike. He said, “We have lost the square and the pub for communicating. We have lost the connection.”
The team at UdL has helped design and launch around ten initiatives. These include Housing First, which uses individual housing to help people overcome addictions and marginalisation, ARI-SOMCare, which offers support through a companion robot, and Vincles Alt Pirineu-Aran, which uses volunteers to improve social connection for hundreds of older residents in the mountain area.
Alsinet said loneliness is not an individual problem, but a community problem, and that it must be addressed through community action. He added that each group has its own needs, so support has to be tailored rather than generic.
The projects are continuing to adapt their approach as they work to strengthen social bonds and participation across Catalonia. For readers following local social policy and community initiatives, more coverage is available on our News page.
