Social Capital Development to Address Loneliness through Community Support: A Scoping Review

This project explores the impact of community initiatives, like groups and clubs, on reducing loneliness by building social connections, known as social capital. Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and values that arise from social interactions, contributing to mutual support and well-being.

Our study, a 'scoping review', sifted through existing research to understand how these initiatives can foster a sense of trust, belonging, and mutual aid, crucial for combating loneliness. Conducted by the University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, in collaboration with local organisations, the review aims to pinpoint gaps in current knowledge and guide future research and policy. By examining the role of community-based activities in enhancing well-being, this work seeks to inform the development of more effective social prescribing practices, where healthcare professionals refer patients to non-medical support within the community, and to ultimately improve public health outcomes related to loneliness and social isolation.