One in three Brits feel disconnected from their community – but some cities are bucking the trend
Published:
Read Time: 2 mins
New research has found one in three Brits say they feel disconnected from their local community, highlighting a growing social connection gap across the UK and stark regional differences in a sense of belonging.
The national study, commissioned by public sector membership club Boundless, found that while 32.5% of people feel either “not very” or “not at all” connected to where they live, some cities are bucking the trend – with residents reporting a strong sense of belonging and pride.
Southampton topped the list, with nearly three in four residents (74.4%) saying they feel connected to their local community. It is closely followed by Belfast (74.1%), Sheffield (73.6%) and Plymouth (73.6%). Brighton ranks fifth in the list (72.7%), suggesting particularly strong community ties are found in seaside cities – as three out of the top five socially connected cities are based on the coast, all topping the national average (67.5%).
London also ranked higher than many regional cities, with 69.5% of residents saying they feel connected to their community – challenging the common perception that life in the capital is isolating.
Newcastle was found to be the least socially connected area in the study, with just 59% saying they feel part of their community, followed by Bristol (60.1%) and Norwich (62.7%).
The research also found that three in four public sector workers feel connected to their community (75.1%), compared to seven in ten in the private sector (70.1%).
Darren Milton at Boundless, the membership club for public sector and civil service workers and retirees, said: “While it’s encouraging to see cities like Southampton, Belfast and Sheffield leading the way, the fact that one in three people feel disconnected from their community is a wake-up call.
“Community doesn’t just happen by accident – it’s built through shared experiences, common purpose and opportunities to come together. The reality of modern life means we’re up against digital overload and cost-of-living pressures, and more of us are working remotely which can add to feelings of social isolation.”
Across the UK, Boundless helps people build connections by bringing members together for exclusive days out at major attractions and through a nationwide network of volunteer-run clubs that organise local events and social gatherings.
As Boundless member Audrey Willingham, from Hayling Island in Hampshire, said: “For us, the best thing about Boundless membership is the social element. The local monthly lunches in Portsmouth are good events and you have a good laugh – there’s normally a speaker there – it makes it a day out rather than doing boring chores at home.”
INDEX: UK cities ranked by the percentage of people who say they feel connected to their local community:
1. Southampton – 74.4%
2. Belfast – 74.1%
3. Sheffield – 73.6%
4. Plymouth – 73.6%
5. Brighton – 72.7%
6. London – 69.5%
7. Edinburgh – 69.1%
8. Leeds – 68.2%
9. Liverpool – 66.7%
10. Manchester – 66.1%
11. Birmingham – 65%
12. Glasgow – 64.7%
13. Nottingham – 64.4%
14. Cardiff – 63.6%
15. Norwich – 62.7%
16. Bristol – 60.1%
17. Newcastle – 59%
To find out more, please visit: www.boundless.co.uk .
Ends
Editors notes
Research methodology:
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 British residents, between 10 February 2026 – 12 February 2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. It adheres to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.
About Boundless:
Boundless is a membership club for civil service and public sector workers who are looking for inspiration on getting the most out of their free time. With a heritage and expertise dating back more than 100 years, Boundless offers its 150,000+ members deals on hundreds of unique experiences, events, volunteer activities and things to do. It’s also mutual, so all profits go straight back into the club to benefit members.
