This is a really challenging time in so many ways, and I know that social distancing measures are taking a toll on all of us. That's why the Government is launching a new campaign to tackle loneliness. It's so important to take care, not just of our physical wellbeing, but of our mental wellbeing too. I really strongly encourage you to use the means we have available - thank god for technology - to check up on your friends and family who might be finding this period of isolation difficult.
We recognise the need, not just now but always, to talk about loneliness.
The Government aims to tackle this by:
- New public campaign launched by Culture Secretary to get people talking openly about loneliness
- Oliver Dowden announces loneliness to be a priority category of £750 million charity funding package
- Guaranteed £5 million boost for national loneliness organisations leading the charge
- Government publishes guidance on supporting yourself and others safely
- Loneliness charities including Age UK will be supported to work with NHS Volunteer Responders in their communities
- Network of high-profile charities, businesses and public figures to join ‘Tackling Loneliness Network’ formed by Government to help connect groups at risk of isolation
Led by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, the plan will aim to ensure that, for people of all ages and backgrounds, staying at home does not need to lead to loneliness.
The latest #Let’sTalkLoneliness public campaign has been rolled out to get people talking openly about loneliness, which includes new public guidance offering useful tips and advice on what to do to look after yourself and others safely.
The campaign, initially launched last year, is being supported by famous faces across social media including TV presenter Angellica Bell and Karen Gibson, founder of The Kingdom Choir. More information can be found at https://letstalkloneliness.co.uk/
In a wide ranging cross-Government and cross-sector plan, Dowden has also announced that:
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Smaller, community-based organisations in England helping people to stay connected in local communities will benefit from being a priority category of the £750 million package of support for charities announced by the Chancellor on 8 April.
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National loneliness organisations will be allocated a guaranteed £5 million worth of funding to continue and adapt their critical work at this time.
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As part of the national effort, loneliness charities including Age UK will be supported to work with NHS Volunteer Responders in their communities.
In collaboration with the Connection Coalition, organised by Jo Cox Foundation, the Government has also convened a network of high-profile charities, businesses, organisations and public figures. The group will explore ways to bring people together to build strong community spirit, with a focus on groups at particular risk of loneliness, and will work to continue these initiatives in the future.
Chaired by Minister for Loneliness Baroness Barran, the ‘Tackling Loneliness Network’ includes the BBC, Premier League, Facebook, ITV, British Red Cross, Jo Cox Foundation, Vodafone, Zurich, Nationwide Building Society, Campaign to End Loneliness, Aviva, Sports and Recreation Alliance, English Football League, JC Decaux UK, Samaritans, Age UK, Arts Council England, Co-op Foundation, The Cares Family, University College London, Independent Age, Libraries Connected, Sense, Manchester Museum, Nesta Challenges and Seema Kennedy, former Co-Chair of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness.
The moves come after the Culture Secretary chaired a virtual summit on Friday (17 April) with a number of loneliness charities including the Jo Cox Foundation, British Red Cross, Campaign to End Loneliness, Co-op Foundation, Age UK, The Cares Family, Mind, Sense and Samaritans, who discussed how to ensure tackling loneliness is a key priority during the pandemic.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:
Coronavirus and social distancing has forced all of us to look loneliness in the eye. So recognising the signs and tackling the stigma has never been more important.
We’re 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, and empower our expert charities and volunteers to reach more vulnerable people."
For more information, click here.
