Findings from a multidisciplinary consensus statement exercise that mapped knowledge about measurement, prevalence, antecedents, impacts and interventions, and agreed future priorities for research, policy and practice

This restricted scoping review synthesises interventions that intentionally or unintentionally reduce perinatal loneliness, or its proximate determinants such as social connectedness and social support. The review identifies six broad intervention categories, including shared-identity groups, parent and baby groups, creative health approaches, and holistic multidisciplinary support. The article also identifies key mechanisms that may reduce loneliness, including opportunities for social connection, positive relationships with professionals or volunteers, normalisation of difficulties, meaningful activity, and practical support that helps parents overcome barriers to connection.

This report shares the findings from the Perinatal Loneliness Project through easy-to-read mind maps. It explores: how parents experience loneliness, what practitioners can do about it, what support families want and what families want policymakers to change

New parents are less likely to be active and are more likely to be lonely. Both physical inactivity and loneliness pose public health issues as they are linked with poor physical and mental health outcomes. Parents with perinatal mental illness may face additional barriers to group walking such as anxieties about socialising and leaving the house. This evaluation explores the feasibility and impact of a postnatal walking group set up with perinatal mental health services in Sheffield. Outcomes included reducing social isolation, increased confidence and more access to peer support.