John Ratcliffe

Dr. John Ratcliffe is a full-time researcher at the Centre for Loneliness Studies within Sheffield Hallam University's College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences. His work focuses on loneliness research, particularly examining gendered constructions of loneliness in older men and pandemic contexts. He coordinates a reading group and seminar series for SHU staff/students while supporting national interventions through 'Ageing Better'.

• PhD in Health Sciences (University of York, 2022)
• MA in Social Research (University of Sheffield)
• BA in Sociology (University of Sheffield)

Research spans interdisciplinary perspectives on loneliness, including: gendered experiences, risk factors, social constructions, and mixed methods approaches. Recent work examines sex differences in aging populations and BAME community barriers to loneliness services.

Key projects include:

• National Lottery Community Fund's Typologies of Loneliness (2018–current)
• British Red Cross/Co-op's BAME Loneliness Study (2018–19)
• NHS collaboration on Fabricated or Induced Illness safeguarding
• Age UK Sheffield's Integrated Care Programme Pilot (2016)

Publications demonstrate methodological diversity across quantitative analysis, qualitative interviews, and policy recommendations, with a focus on aging populations and male loneliness.