Almost every fourth Swede over the age of 16 suffers from involuntary loneliness.
In Högsby, a pilot project is now being conducted to remedy this with the help of a health pilot, and the results have exceeded expectations.
– This is a win for the individual and for the whole society, says the municipality’s health pilot Malin Johansson.
For a year, she has navigated alone in Högsby to a more social existence. In part, people have been referred to her from care or social services, but have also been able to call in on their own, free of charge, to get help to break their isolation.
– When you have been alone for a long time, it can be a big step to get out into a community, and there I help link people together. It can be enough to find one or two people to join, says Malin Johansson.
“Less lonely today”
One of those who participated in the project is Eino Laakso. When his wife fell ill, he was isolated at home, but has now been helped by the health pilot to join a family association and a study circle for deep conversations.
– I think it has been very good. Otherwise, I would have just stayed at home and waited for the home service. I am much less alone today, he says.
Almost two million Swedes, mainly young adults and the elderly, are bothered by loneliness and isolation according to the Public Health Agency.
Believes to have found a recipe for success
The project in Högsby is aimed at everyone over 16 in a collaboration between municipality and region to develop a model that can then be used throughout Kronoberg.
And since the goal for 2023 has been exceeded by more than double, they believe they have found a recipe for success.
– I am very satisfied so far. The goal was to reach ten people in 2023 and we are already up to 26. Countering loneliness is a win for everyone, says Malin Johansson.