Loneliness among men in Britain has been described as a "silent epidemic", with more than one in three feeling lonely at least once a week.

The figure was released as part of Spotlight on Men month, which was launched by the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness.

The survey of 1,200 men also found that 11% are lonely on a daily basis but around 10% say they prefer not to say so.

Around 35% said being lonely made them feel depressed and almost 40% said they felt isolated.

Thirty-five was the average age at which men felt the most lonely, with 9% saying they do not see anyone regularly.


Among the possible reasons are unemployment, relationship break-ups, bereavement or moving away from family and friends.

Labour MP Rachel Reeves, who co-chairs the commission, said: "Loneliness is a silent epidemic hidden inside every family and community in the UK and can affect any one of us and at any time.

"For the next month, we will explore how and why men experience loneliness and, most importantly, shine a light on the practical steps that can be taken to combat it.

"Now is the time to break the silence and start a conversation."

It is estimated that around 1.5 million men will live alone in England and Wales by 2030 and, as men are less likely than women to socialise or meet people through activities, they are more likely to feel lonely.

Seema Kennedy, a Tory MP and co-chair of the commission, said: "Today we are calling on the public, businesses and Government to consider what more could be done in their communities to tackle the problem - from starting their own men's activity to simply making time to chat to those around them."