Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Newspapers frequently run headlines about the problem and dangers of loneliness. New research reveals that the problem goes beyond loneliness, with people losing their connection to places, struggling to find a purpose, and losing trust in systems of power. The challenge, in short, is a deficit of belonging. Do we lack the institutions – such as churches, trades unions, pubs and social clubs – that, in the past, played a big role in socialising the young and bringing people together? How can we avoid community being replaced by communities, to view ourselves and others as equal citizens rather than as members of cultural tribes or isolated individuals? Or should we be more optimistic?
The speakers on this panel are:
Dave Clements: writer and policy advisor; contributing co-editor The Future of Community
William Clouston: party leader, Social Democratic Party
Abbot Christopher Jamison: Abbot President, English Benedictine Congregation; author, Finding the Language of Grace: rediscovering transcendence
Michael Merrick: director of schools, Diocese of Lancaster; former teacher; education and social commentator
Kim Samuel: founder, the Belonging Forum; author, On Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation; educator; activist
The Chair is: Dr Tiffany Jenkins writer and broadcaster; author, Strangers and Intimates (forthcoming) and Keeping Their Marbles
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 24. These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels, takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by visitng the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/worldwriteis30
Thank You.
#BelongingForum
#UKLoneliness
#CommunityCohesion
Newspapers frequently run headlines about the problem and dangers of loneliness. New research reveals that the problem goes beyond loneliness, with people losing their connection to places, struggling to find a purpose, and losing trust in systems of power. The challenge, in short, is a deficit of belonging. Do we lack the institutions – such as churches, trades unions, pubs and social clubs – that, in the past, played a big role in socialising the young and bringing people together? How can we avoid community being replaced by communities, to view ourselves and others as equal citizens rather than as members of cultural tribes or isolated individuals? Or should we be more optimistic?
The speakers on this panel are:
Dave Clements: writer and policy advisor; contributing co-editor The Future of Community
William Clouston: party leader, Social Democratic Party
Abbot Christopher Jamison: Abbot President, English Benedictine Congregation; author, Finding the Language of Grace: rediscovering transcendence
Michael Merrick: director of schools, Diocese of Lancaster; former teacher; education and social commentator
Kim Samuel: founder, the Belonging Forum; author, On Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation; educator; activist
The Chair is: Dr Tiffany Jenkins writer and broadcaster; author, Strangers and Intimates (forthcoming) and Keeping Their Marbles
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 24. These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels, takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by visitng the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/worldwriteis30
Thank You.
#BelongingForum
#UKLoneliness
#CommunityCohesion
