UK launches plan to tackle isolation, allocates £5 million for loneliness charities

THE UK government has launched a programme to tackle social isolation and ensure “no one needs to feel lonely in the weeks ahead”.

As per the plan, community-based organisations helping people to stay connected will benefit from being a priority category of the Treasury’s £750 million package for charities.

Notably, national loneliness organisations will receive £5 million worth of funding for their critical work at this time.

The programme will involve a network of high-profile charities, businesses and public figures, and it will explore ways to build strong community spirit, with a focus on groups at risk of loneliness.

Notably, the latest #Let’sTalkLoneliness public campaign has been rolled out to get people talking openly about loneliness, and includes new public guidance on how to look after oneself and others.

The campaign, initially launched last year, is being supported by popular figures, including TV presenter Angellica Bell and The Kingdom Choir founder Karen Gibson.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden — who had held a virtual summit last week with loneliness charities — noted that the outbreak had “forced all of us to look loneliness in the eye”.

“So, recognising the signs and tackling the stigma has never been more important,” he said.

“We are launching this plan now to help ensure no one needs to feel lonely in the weeks ahead. It will help everyone understand the role they can play in looking after each other.”

Chaired by Minister for Loneliness Baroness Barran, the ‘Tackling Loneliness Network’ includes the BBC, Premier League, Facebook, ITV, British Red Cross, Jo Cox Foundation, Samaritans, Vodafone, Age UK, Arts Council England, and University College London.

Zoë Abrams, British Red Cross executive director and Loneliness Action Group co-chair, said: "It has never been more important that we all pull together to tackle loneliness by building on the sense of community and connectedness that has been so inspiring to see in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.

He said the “investment in this area is critical” in sustaining activities that provide “a vital lifeline to those who feel lonely and isolated”.

The Jo Cox Foundation CEO, Catherine Anderson, welcomed the “priority given to loneliness and social isolation”, adding that maintaining social connections were “vitally important” in these times.

The country, she believed, will “emerge stronger and healthier if we act now to establish a legacy of stronger connections”.

Ruth Sutherland, CEO of Samaritans, observed that loneliness was a “deeply personal experience”, often affecting people in different ways.

She said the government initiative was critical, as there could even be links between “loneliness and suicidal thoughts for some people”.

“Whilst physical isolation is a necessary outcome of the lockdown restrictions, loneliness doesn’t have to be if we work together to look after each other,” she said.