Tenants to be given App that helps combat loneliness...

One of the country’s biggest Build To Rent operators has launched an app for residents which it claims can help combat loneliness.

The ‘Buddy Up’ service enables new residents to post a call out for friends within the development, to arrange a coffee meeting or lunch date.

Grainger claims this is a contribution to National Loneliness Week - which goes on until June 19 - and follows a study by the company which showed that community spirit amongst neighbours in Britain is low, with six out of 10 admitting to having no neighbourly friend.

More than 80 per cent of the 2,000 adults questioned admit to experiencing feelings of loneliness at least once a month, with over one third stating they feel lonely at least once a week and 14.3 per cent experiencing feelings of daily loneliness.

Grainger claims that Build To Rent developments typically have co-working spaces, communal lounges and open-plan kitchen areas offering the opportunity to meet new people and socialise with neighbours. These shared spaces are often used to host free resident events, where those living in the building can attend and meet new people with shared interests, the company continues.

Michaela Mullen, director of customer experience at Grainger, comments: “It’s saddening to hear that 80 per cent of the British population experience feelings of loneliness at least once a month, however not surprising when over half admit to not having one single friend amongst their neighbours.

“Now more than ever, particularly with the growth in remote working, not everyone has an office to go to, so community spaces are critical to fill the void of human interaction and conversation.

“Grainger developments are built on creating a community, by offering a variety of shared spaces in addition to a resident’s home, including co-working areas, communal lounges, and outdoor rooftops, we ensure residents can socialise with others and build friendships.

“Our resident service teams are integral to creating the community feel within our developments, with each dedicated to creating friendly living spaces with plenty of opportunities for friendships to flourish – we hope to see more of this.”

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Robert Brown
22 June 2023 07:51 AM

Perhaps they could have an app that buzzed or rang about 7.00 and prompted them to get out of bed?

I seem to remember my grandpa having something like that and if you looked at it you saw the time - no screens or buttons to press. Yes - this was a wind up and worked like clockwork.