Barometer 2026
Belonging in the UK is under pressure
The 2026 Belonging Barometer explores how people across the UK experience connection, community, voice and purpose — and what is making belonging harder to sustain.
At A Glance
39%
feel less connected to the UK since 2020
86%
say an economic factor has made
belonging harder
74%
say their local area has changed
since the pandemic
22%
do not feel that they truly belong
25%
have fewer opportunities to meet
in their local area since lockdown
46%
say political developments have
made people feel less connected
What is the Belonging Barometer
The Belonging Barometer is the most extensive study of belonging in the UK. It tracks how people experience belonging across four core dimensions: People, Place, Power and Purpose.
Rather than looking at loneliness alone, it explores the wider conditions that shape connection — from relationships and neighbourhoods to trust, participation and meaning in daily life.
What the 2026 Findings Tell Us
Belonging has not disappeared in the UK. But for many, it is becoming more fragile. Rising costs, stretched services, weaker trust and fewer opportunities to participate are making it harder for people to feel connected to one another and to the places and systems around them.
Key Findings
Belonging is still present, but not secure
Most people report some sense of belonging, but it is uneven and fragile.
The 2020s have weakened connection
Two in five feel less connected to the UK than they did in 2020.
Relationships remain the strongest anchor
Friendship and close ties remain central, even as loneliness persists.
Place matters more than ever
Shared spaces, local pride and neighbourhood life are key to belonging.
Economic pressure is shrinking participation
Costs linked to housing, travel and social life are making connection harder.
Trust, voice and fairness shape belonging
When institutions feel distant or unresponsive, belonging weakens.
“In moments of upheaval, from lockdowns to economic shocks to rapid technological change, it is easy to retreat into ourselves. We should do the opposite.”
– Kim Samuel, Founder and Chief Architect, Belonging Forum
How We Measure Belonging
The Belonging Barometer looks at belonging through four connected dimensions.
People
Relationships, friendships, care and trust
Place
Neighbourhoods, shared spaces
and rootednes
Power
Voice, fairness and influence
over decisions
Purpose
Meaning, contribution
and agency
Why This Matters
Belonging is not a soft extra. It shapes health, resilience, participation and the strength of communities. The Barometer helps policymakers, practitioners, researchers and organisations understand where connection is holding, where it is fraying, and what people need in order to feel seen, included and able to take part.
Belonging in the UK is under pressure
Read the full 2026 Belonging Barometer.
Download the full report to explore the findings, analysis and methodology.