The Age of Loneliness

Acton director Sue Bourne tackles a growing problem

Acton's award winning documentary maker, Sue Bourne, tackles the often complex issue of loneliness in a programme to be broadcast on BBC 1 this evening (Thursday 7th January).

Sue has been making popular programmes for more than a decade including 'My Street' which focussed on her Acton neighbours and won best documentary award in 2009.

In this latest production she explores why the loneliness epidemic in Britain is affecting so many people of all ages with the problem widespread and deep rooted that it is now seen as a major public health issue.

It has been said that this is the 'Age of Loneliness' and Britain was recently reported to be 'the loneliness capital of Europe'.

Bourne travels throughout the country to find people brave enough to admit how lonely they are and talk about how loneliness affects their lives.

From Isobel, the 19-year-old student, Ben the divorcé, and Jaye the 40-year-old singleton, through to Olive, the 100-year-old who says she lives on 'lonely street', this film is expected strike a chord with many, many people.

Each story in the film reveals the painful reality of loneliness, but the stories offer hope because they also show how different people can and have alleviated their loneliness in some small, but hugely significant, way.

Sue writes about what she learnt about loneliness in The Guardian

Age of Loneliness
Thursday 7 January
10.35pm-11.35pm
BBC ONE

6th January 2016