Pro Bono Economics

🎄Lonely this Christmas – Visualising loneliness in England Recent PBE analysis reveals a rise in loneliness. 9.6% of UK adults (equivalent to 5.3 million people) often felt lonely in 2023/24 - up from 9% in 2017. But for the first time, we now have a clearer picture of how loneliness varies across England, thanks to local authority-level data from the Community Life Survey shedding light on the regional differences. Read the blog by Jack Larkham and Charlotte Prothero: https://lnkd.in/eMx25mCX While the North is known for its strong sense of community, our map highlights the challenges many residents face. Rates of loneliness in the region are among the highest in England, driven by factors such as unemployment, health inequalities, and financial hardship. Relatively small sample sizes mean we have to be cautious about the precision of these estimates, but the scale of contrast with other parts of England is undeniably significant. This matters—not only because chronic loneliness impacts mental and physical health, but because it places pressure on public services. Our recent research shows that tackling loneliness could reduce the demand for nearly 1 million GP appointments annually. Local challenges demand tailored solutions, and communities must be equipped to support those at greatest risk. But this isn’t just a local issue—it requires a coordinated national response. Updating the 2018 Loneliness Strategy and expanding financial support for organisations working in this field are critical steps. In 2025 PBE will delve deeper into how drivers of low wellbeing like employment, health and housing intersect with loneliness in different regions. We’ll also explore what works—at both local and national levels—to build more connected and resilient communities.

How are we doing? Insights from PBE’s webinar on low wellbeing in the UK Last week, we hosted experts from local government and civil society to discuss findings from our first annual report on low wellbeing and loneliness. Chaired by Antonia Ypsilanti the session featured insights from our pannel Jon Franklin, Kate Jopling, Amrick Singh Ubhi and Phil Jackson. Key takeaways: ➡️ Wellbeing matters: Halving low wellbeing could deliver £54 billion in economic benefits annually. ➡️ Loneliness is rising: 5 million UK adults are experiencing chronic loneliness, with under 30s, women, and the unemployed most affected. ➡️ Housing impact: Social housing offers protective benefits that private renting does not. From upstream prevention to refreshed government strategies, it’s clear - tackling low wellbeing and loneliness is crucial. 📖 Read the blog by Rebecca Fitzjohn: https://lnkd.in/gh3Xsecy Stay updated and sign up for our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/g__xQCtz #Wellbeing #Loneliness

Civil servants looking for a new challenge in 2025 - trusteeship is a rewarding experience, with 80% of trustees recommending the role. Almost two-thirds of the UK’s 170,000 charities are seeking skilled trustees—but civil servants are an untapped resource, with only 1 in 10 stepping into these governance positions. Here’s why civil servants could be game-changers for charities: ✅ Governance expertise ✅ Strategic thinking ✅ Commitment to public good ✅ Stakeholder engagement ✅ Financial management Encouraging more civil servants to become trustees could transform charities, strengthen communities and foster closer connections between government and the voluntary sector. Read the blog by Hannah Corbett ACIM: https://lnkd.in/e_kRhBVc This post was inspired by discussions at Pro Bono Economics’ A Civil Alliance event. 🌟 #Trusteeship #CivilService #Governance

🎉 These organisations have learnt about the economic approach to measuring and valuing the impact of their work! Thank you to attendees from: Partnership for Children EVERYONE ON BOARDS Fight for Peace Training Cave Scene & Heard City in the Community for great engagement during our Unlocking Impact workshop this week. This session for organisations working with children at risk of exclusion from school was funded by Porticus and IntegratEd. To find out more about our services for charities, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/edG3AjJy

Volunteering: A transformative opportunity for civil servants Volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s a chance to grow. It sharpens skills, broadens horizons, and strengthens connections. Yet, only 30% of civil servants volunteer, and just 1 in 10 charity trustees are from the civil service. At our recent Civil Alliance event, leaders from government and civil society shared their stories and explored how to overcome barriers to volunteering. Key insights: Polly Payne (DCMS) shared how being a school governor sharpened her leadership and collaboration. Charlotte Hill OBE (The Felix Project) highlighted how flexible volunteering boosts empathy and energy. Marie-Elise Howells (DCMS) emphasized that processes already exist to manage conflicts of interest. What’s holding us back? 🕒 Few use the 5 volunteering days available annually. 🤝 Uncertainty about where to start. 📜 Concerns about conflict of interest. Why it matters: Volunteering hones leadership skills, builds community connections, and brings vital skills to charities. As Sarah Swash (DEFRA) put it, “It’s taught me how to make things happen quickly. Plus, I’ve learned skills like marketing and fundraising I’d never encounter in my day job” The time is ripe to make volunteering not just an option but a norm in the civil service. Let’s embrace it, promote it, and celebrate its impact. https://lnkd.in/gFYnw_QR 👉 How has volunteering shaped your journey? Share your story! #Volunteering #CivilService #Leadership Image: dfphotography

💻 You can still reserve your spot on our webinar at lunchtime today! https://lnkd.in/e3f8ehyi 🦋 We'll be covering the event over on Bluesky: https://lnkd.in/emmryHy6 🗣️ Use #PBEEvents to follow along and share your thoughts

🚨 Last chance to register for tomorrow's webinar! 🚨 Join Pro Bono Economics on 10th December 2024 from 12:00 – 13:00 for an insightful discussion on the findings of our newly released Low Wellbeing in the UK report. We'll explore the alarming trends in life satisfaction across the UK and discuss actionable strategies to improve wellbeing for all, including a deep dive into the impact of loneliness and what policy change could be most effective. Register here > https://lnkd.in/e7YdKQaR 💬 Speakers include: - Antonia Ypsilanti, Associate Professor in Cognitive Psychology, Sheffield Hallam University - Amrick Singh Ubhi, Director of Civic Engagement & Partnerships, Nishkam Civic Association - Jon Franklin, Chief Economist, Pro Bono Economics - Kate Jopling, Policy Consultant - Phil Jackson, CEO, Goole Youth Action Don't miss out, register now! 📅 Date: 10th December 2024 🕛 Time: 12:00 – 13:00 💻 Location: Online 🎫 Register here: https://lnkd.in/e7YdKQaR We hope to see you there! #LowWellbeing #LifeSatisfaction #UKWellbeing #MentalHealth #Loneliness #EconomicImpact #Policy #Webinar

There's still time to sign up for tomorrow's 'Low wellbeing in the UK' webinar Join us online on 10 Dec at 12:00 to explore who is experiencing low wellbeing in the UK today and why. How is loneliness part of the problem, and how could policy help? Book your free place: https://lnkd.in/e3f8ehyi

'Low Wellbeing in the UK - Trends, Drivers and Solutions' free webinar Join us online on 10 Dec at 12:00 to explore who is experiencing low wellbeing in the UK today and why. How is loneliness part of the problem, and how could policy help? Our new report uses wellbeing measurement to assess the 3.2 million adults struggling with “wellbeing poverty” today. During this webinar we'll take an in-depth look at the factors causing people to experience such a low quality of life. Chaired by Antonia Ypsilanti speakers include Amrick Singh Ubhi, Jon Franklin, Kate Jopling and Phil Jackson. Our panel will: 🌟Discuss key findings from the report, including an overview of the latest trends in wellbeing, an analysis of groups who are struggling the most and an exploration of important drivers of low quality of life. 🌟Take an in-depth look at how loneliness could form an overlooked piece of the puzzle and how this could be addressed. 🌟Call for action from policymakers. We will be discussing our recommendations during the session. Book your free place: https://lnkd.in/erCkrTTy

1 in 5 new and expectant mums experience depression. Far too many face long waits for talking therapy or go undiagnosed. Our new report reveals the transformative power of counselling provided by charity MumsAid - offering a lifeline to mums. Key findings: • 1 in 3 mothers supported by MumsAid’s counselling recover from depression—a recovery estimated to deliver an average £10,000 in economic value annually per mother supported. • 76% experience significant improvement in their depression. Of course the impact goes beyond the numbers. Without intervention, untreated depression in mothers can persist for years, deeply affecting quality of life and creating lasting developmental and emotional challenges for their children. The bigger picture: With a programme cost of £420,000 and total benefits estimated at £3 million, the MumsAid’s model demonstrates a highly cost-effective solution for maternal mental health. And this is just the beginning: the report suggests additional benefits like long-term gains for children and reduced healthcare strain, which are not fully captured in the figures. 👀 Read the full report from Pro Bono Economics, "Pregnant then blue? The value of MumsAid counselling for new and expectant mothers" https://lnkd.in/e5ZHBGfS Great to work with Rachael Clohesy, Dr Miriam Donaghy, Helen Hughson and Rachel Gomez on this report. #MaternalMentalHealth #MumsAid #ProBonoEconomics #CounsellingMatters #MentalHealthSupport