The number of young people in England who say they have no close friends has risen fivefold since 2014, according to new research from the Institute for Public Policy Research, with one in 20 now reporting that they have none at all. The findings, published amid growing concern about loneliness and social isolation, have renewed attention on how adults form and maintain friendships outside the workplace, family and formal institutions.
In response to the trend, people across the country have been taking deliberate steps to build new connections as adults, joining groups, setting up activities and creating informal networks that fill the gap left by declining traditional community structures. Those who have made the effort describe the results as transformative, offering both practical support and a sense of belonging that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
The research highlights a sharp generational shift. While loneliness has long been associated with older age, the data suggests that younger adults are now disproportionately affected, with social isolation becoming a defining feature of early adulthood for a significant minority. The causes are varied and overlapping, including the decline of shared public spaces, the rise of remote working, the cost of social activities and the fragmentation of local communities.
For many adults, the challenge is not a lack of desire for friendship but a lack of opportunity. School and university provide ready-made social environments, but once those structures fall away, the onus shifts to individuals to create their own networks. That transition can be particularly difficult for those who move to a new city, change jobs or become parents, all of which can disrupt existing friendships.
The people who have successfully built new connections describe a common approach: treating friendship as something that requires intention rather than something that happens by accident. Joining a club, volunteering, taking up a hobby or organising a regular meet-up are among the methods that have worked. The key, they suggest, is repetition and familiarity — seeing the same people regularly in a low-pressure setting.
Community groups and local activities have become important vehicles for this. From sports teams and book clubs to walking groups and craft sessions, these gatherings offer a structured way to meet others without the awkwardness of cold approaches. For many participants, the appeal lies in shared purpose: the activity provides a natural conversation starter and a reason to keep showing up.
The implications extend beyond individual wellbeing. Social isolation has been linked to poorer mental and physical health, lower economic participation and reduced civic engagement. Policymakers and local authorities are increasingly treating loneliness as a public health issue, though the response remains fragmented and underfunded in many areas.
The IPPR findings add weight to calls for a more coordinated approach, including investment in community infrastructure, support for local groups and recognition that social connection is a determinant of health and opportunity. For now, much of the work is being done by individuals and small organisations, often without formal backing.
Those who have found their way into new friendships say the effort is worth it. The sense of community that emerges from regular, informal contact can be profound, offering support during difficult periods and a shared rhythm to daily life. As the data makes clear, the need is growing — and the solutions, while simple in principle, depend on the willingness of people to reach out and of institutions to make that easier.