In a recent poll conducted by the Belonging Forum, startling revelations have emerged regarding the sense of belonging, loneliness, and safety concerns among renters and young women in the UK. Contrary to the wider population, renters find themselves disproportionately affected by feelings of isolation and insecurity, particularly when navigating their way home after dark.
According to the survey, a significant 40% of renters confessed to feeling lonely, a stark contrast to the 29% reported by the general population. Furthermore, 30% of renters expressed feeling unsafe when walking home in the dark, in comparison to only 20% of homeowners. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need to address the unique challenges faced by renters in fostering a sense of community and security in their neighbourhoods.
Kim Samuel, co-founder of the Belonging Forum, and author of On Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation, shed light on these findings, emphasizing the often-overlooked struggles of young women and renters. Samuel highlighted that while much attention has been devoted to certain demographics such as people with disabilities, older individuals, and migrants, the challenges encountered by young women and renters remain under-discussed.
Samuel elucidated, “Our research—the first of its kind in the UK—identifies acute issues facing people with disabilities, older people, and migrants. But two groups who are not talked about as much are young women and people in rented accommodation. From community gardens to intergenerational friendship events, our Charter for Belonging will outline common sense and affordable ways to help renters and young women put down roots in their local area and connect with others. Renters are a growing section of British society and there are specific measures we can put in place to help them feel like they belong.”
Furthermore, the survey highlighted the disproportionate struggles faced by young women, particularly in the 18-24 age category. While 72% of men in this age group reported satisfaction with their lives, only 64% of women expressed the same sentiment. Alarmingly, 40% of young women admitted to feeling alone at night, compared to a mere 15% of men overall. Additionally, women in the 18-24 category reported sharing fewer values with their neighbours, particularly when compared to women over 65.
These findings underscore the pressing need for targeted interventions and community-building initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by renters and young women. From bolstering neighbourhood watch programs to fostering inclusive community events, concerted efforts must be made to create environments where all individuals feel safe, connected, and valued.
In confronting these challenges head-on, society can take significant strides towards fostering a culture of belonging and inclusivity, where every individual, regardless of their housing status or gender, feels empowered to thrive within their communities. It’s imperative that we recognize and address the hidden struggles faced by these demographics, working collaboratively towards a future where everyone feels a sense of belonging and safety in their neighbourhoods.