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The equivalent of the combined populations of Birmingham and Glasgow will be alone on Christmas Day even though they would rather have company, according to research by the Salvation Army. It warns that more than 1.8 million people will spend the day in isolation. The survey of nearly 4,400 adults across the UK found almost one in 12 had gone at some point for more than a month without a face to face conversation with another adult.

The Salvation Army warns the situation is “much more serious than just missing out on festive fun”.

Andrew Wileman, the church’s specialist on isolation, said: “Connection is a basic human need. Isolation is the main reason people give for turning to The Salvation Army for help and the need for belonging is especially strong at Christmas.”

Warning that “social isolation isn’t just about people feeling lonely,” he said: “It’s about people being invisible and missing out on the support many of us take for granted – whether that’s someone unable to leave their house due to a disability, someone who has shut themselves away because unemployment has led to depression or someone forced to sleep rough because they have nowhere left to turn.”

The Salvation Army highlighted how Steve, a 58-year-old from Bangor, Northern Ireland, had benefited from its “befriending service”.

He said: “Some days I would try and leave the house and maybe walk to the chemist, but I couldn’t even bring myself to go inside. If the Post Office was too busy, I’d just walk away and not bother collecting my money.

“I’d rather starve than make any kind of contact with other people. Christmas time was especially difficult, and I would basically just stay at home for two weeks. Then one of my neighbours recommended my local Salvation Army’s befriending service and with their help I’ll be spending quality time with someone on Christmas Day instead of being stuck in the house.”

Forty-one-year-old mother of two, Sarah-Jayne, from Essex, became isolated following her diagnosis with leukaemia. Her life changed after she joined a Salvation Army toddler group and her cancer is now in remission.

She said: “Some of my close friends didn’t really care after I came out of hospital and that sent me into a dark corner; I had to pull myself out of. It really made me feel alone. I didn’t want to go out and just stayed at home.

“It gave me anxiety and panic attacks. After a few weeks visiting The Salvation Army, I was asked if I wanted to be a volunteer at the toddler group and then at their weekly community lunch club. I lost the job I had before I was diagnosed but now I’m keeping busy, I feel stronger every day.”

Stephanie Peacock, the minister for civil society, said: “No one should face Christmas alone. This festive season I encourage everyone to look out for their neighbours. A simple conversation or a small act of kindness can be the lifeline that ensures no one feels forgotten in their own community.

“This Government is supporting local charities and volunteers across the country to help improve social connection.”