Being Aware of Loneliness: How Communities Bring People Together

At Plunkett UK, we understand that loneliness can affect individuals in rural areas. Our latest Impact Report reveals that in 2024 alone, around 300 village shops and 200 pubs closed their doors. These closures, along with the decline of schools, healthcare services, and public transport, have left many rural residents without access to essential services; and importantly, without the social spaces that help communities thrive.

Older people, those living with disabilities, and those experiencing poverty are particularly vulnerable. When local services disappear, people are often forced to leave their communities, losing not just their support networks but also their sense of identity and belonging.

As a UK-based charity, Plunkett is committed to tackling rural loneliness by supporting community-owned businesses. These enterprises, whether shops, pubs, cafés, or hubs, are more than just places to buy goods or access services. They are vital spaces for connection, inclusion, and belonging.
We help communities take ownership of local assets and transform them into welcoming, inclusive spaces that serve everyone; especially those who might otherwise feel isolated. These businesses are run by and for the community, creating opportunities for people to meet, volunteer, and support one another.

During Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re shining a spotlight on three inspiring community businesses that are actively addressing isolation in their areas with Plunkett’s support.

At Plunkett, we advocate for community-owned businesses to be “more than” their traditional service. A community pub, for example, isn’t just a place for a pint; it can be a post office, a meeting space, or even host a visiting healthcare professional.

Take The Maybush Inn in Great Oakley, Essex. Largely volunteer-run, it’s a shining example of what “more than” looks like. Martin, one of the volunteers, helps organise events like quiz nights, book clubs, and poems and pints. These gatherings don’t just fill the pub; they fill a social gap. “These events bring in people who wouldn’t normally come in,” Martin says. “They’re nearly all people who live on their own. It’s about being a community.”

In Norfolk, The White Swan in Gressenhall takes a similar approach. Their coffee hub, led by dedicated volunteer Doreen Aitken, offers a warm, welcoming space for people to connect. It’s an idea with a big impact, especially for those who might otherwise feel isolated. As one local put it:

Unpack the word ‘community’ and surely something like this would be there. I’m delighted to find a pub willing to bring everyone together.

In 2024 community businesses reinvested an impressive £1.4 million into local projects, as highlighted in our Impact Report. But their impact goes far beyond the financial; they also help strengthen social ties and improve wellbeing.

A great example is Dobcross Community Shop. Stocked with local produce and committed to sustainable choices, the shop has become much more than a place to pick up essentials; it’s a welcoming hub where people connect.

Run by a dedicated team of around 20 volunteers, the shop is a lifeline for many. One volunteer shared how her mental health had improved since joining, saying it gave her purpose and companionship. Others, particularly those who are retired, say it helps them feel useful and keeps their minds active.
The shop meet the needs of the community, by offering a loyalty scheme, and a delivery service for older residents. By partnering with a local coffee company, they host a coffee morning in a new social space that brings people together. They also host a book exchange, community noticeboards, and updates on village life, which all help foster a strong sense of belonging.

And the impact doesn’t stop there. Profits from the shop are reinvested into the village, with the first project supporting the Shady Gardening Group, who are transforming unused land into vibrant flowerbeds—brightening the village and supporting local wildlife.