Key findings

• The strand engaged over 44,000 participants, 24% of which were volunteers (those who gave up their time to deliver or support the delivery of activities) and 76% were beneficiaries (anyone who attended a session, workshop, group or event).
• Public libraries engaged far more people at risk of loneliness than expected – achieving 457% of their target. The libraries in the programme planned to reach 4,704 people experiencing or at risk of chronic loneliness but ultimately reached 21,480, demonstrating their role as trusted, accessible services with a huge reach.
• The evaluation found a “clear reduction in chronic loneliness among participants”, with those saying they felt lonely “often or always” falling from 12% at the start of the programme to 7% at the end.
• Almost one‑third (30.8%) of volunteers on the programme were volunteering for the first time, compared with typical sector norms of 15–25%.
• Participants reported higher confidence across all five indicators. The strongest improvement was in confidence to use creativity, with overall confidence increases ranging from 8–14% across different measures. 82% of participants agreed they had developed new skills, and 91% agreed they had built connections with new people.

Six lessons for libraries

The report is full of useful insights - here are six that are particularly relevant to public libraries.

Creative activities help people join in at their own pace

Hands‑on activity – whether crafting, heritage work or group projects – gives people a low‑pressure way to start building confidence and connection. As one delivery partner consultee puts it: “Taking part in an arts or creative session is a safe way to have a conversation - you don’t have to engage, you can just focus on your task but still be in and around the conversation.” 

Weekend volunteering is vital

The report highlights the importance of providing activities and volunteering opportunities throughout the week, noting that “those who are lonely in our communities [need] access to a range of social opportunities across the full week”. 

Building trust takes time

Some organisations found that establishing new activities and building relationships took longer than expected – especially when faced with recruitment delays. Many projects reported that they were gaining momentum only as the funding period ended, highlighting the value of longer‑term investment.

Collaboration is key

The researchers found that more coordination between local organisations could help avoid duplication, strengthen outreach and provide clearer routes for volunteers. The report also suggests that greater collaboration could improve cost-effectiveness by reducing overlap and increasing visibility of local opportunities.

Positive, targeted messaging works best

The report notes that framing activities around creativity, wellbeing, skill‑building or their contribution to the local community - rather than loneliness – may increase their appeal. It also suggests that recruitment should be highly targeted and peer-led, particularly for under-represented groups.

Creative community projects increase belonging and local pride

The researchers found that participants’ sense of belonging and local pride increased during the programme. Satisfaction with local areas rose from 68% to 79%, and agreement that people “pull together to improve their neighbourhood” increased from 59% to 74%. This suggests that grass-roots creative projects play a key in building stronger, more cohesive, communities.