Nearly half of UK adults have never shared a cuppa with a neighbour, new research finds
Small, everyday moments that once defined British community life are disappearing, with new research revealing a growing disconnect between neighbours across the UK.
A study of 2,000 adults, released by the Eden Project, found that 44% of people have never shared a cup of tea or coffee with a neighbour, while 28% have never had a drink in their local pub—highlighting the decline of traditional social rituals.
A Nation Growing Apart
The findings paint a picture of increasingly distant neighbourhoods. More than four in ten (41%) said they rarely or never help neighbours with simple tasks like carrying shopping or taking in parcels, while 39% have never borrowed or lent everyday items such as sugar or tools.
Perhaps most strikingly, one in 10 people do not know a single neighbour by name, and fewer than one in five (18%) are considered highly connected within their local community.
Participation in shared activities is also in decline, with 44% having never joined a local group or club, and only 11% regularly volunteering nearby.
Loneliness on the Rise
The erosion of these small interactions appears to be taking a toll. Just a quarter (25%) of respondents said they feel very proud of where they live, while more than half (51%) report feeling lonely at least some of the time.
Professor Andrea Wigfield, Director of Loneliness Studies at Sheffield Hallam University, warned of the wider impact.
“This research highlights how vital strong local connections are to our wellbeing. Loneliness and disconnection are rising across all age groups and are linked to serious physical and mental health risks, including anxiety, depression and cardiovascular disease,” she said.
“Simple, everyday interactions—like saying hello, sharing food or helping a neighbour—can play a powerful role in building a sense of belonging.”
A Push to Reconnect
The research comes ahead of The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out, running from 5–8 June, which aim to bring people together through shared food, activities and local action.
Lindsey Brummitt, Programme Director at the Eden Project, said the findings show that connection doesn’t require grand gestures.
“We’re talking about things like saying hello, sharing a cuppa, lending a hand locally or popping to the local pub. These things can help create a sense of connection and belonging,” she said.
Despite the decline, there are signs of optimism: 62% of respondents said they would consider getting more involved in their community if it were made easier.
The Habits in Decline
Among the neighbourly rituals fading from British life:
- Helping with a community activity — 50% have never done so
- Using a neighbourhood WhatsApp or community group — 49% have never done so
- Having a cuppa with a neighbour — 44% have never done so
- Joining a local group or club — 44% have never done so
- Helping a neighbour with small tasks — 41% rarely or never
- Borrowing or lending everyday items — 39% have never done so
- Having a drink in the local pub — 28% have never done so