15.10.19
Government announces £2m fund to tackle loneliness
A new £2m fund will be made available to organisations dealing with the loneliness issue across the country, the Minister for Civil Society, Baroness Barran announced today (Oct 15)
Organisations that are at the ‘frontline’ of managing loneliness in the UK will be given a £2m pot to help bring people together and improve social relationships.
Government has suggested measures including community cafes, street parties, coffee mornings and local walking groups to provide a lifeline for those suffering from loneliness.
With the announcement came a large number of methods to first, identify loneliness and then ways you can improve the situation.
Small organisations will have the chance to gain more exposure through better venues, improved transport links and the uniting of established, local groups dedicated to tackling the epidemic.
Details of the funding application process, eligibility and release date are yet to be confirmed.
Baroness Barran, Minister for Loneliness, said:
“Loneliness is one of the biggest public health challenges our country faces and we are committed to tackling it head on. This new fund is a fitting way to mark one year since the launch of our landmark strategy and will help grassroots organisations address the issue in their own communities.”
“I have had the privilege of meeting so many people, young and old, who are unsung heroes and heroines in their communities, bringing people together through cafés, reading groups, arts and crafts, gardening, sports and more. They have told me how they want a chance to celebrate their work, together with other local groups, so they can raise awareness and encourage more people to be involved.”
“This new investment shows how much we value their work and our continued commitment to beating loneliness.”
The announcement has been made exactly a year after the Government’s Loneliness Strategy was established, which included almost 60 commitments to end loneliness.
Some of which included social prescribing for those at risk and building a network of employers committed to taking action and supporting lonely people.
Over the past year, we have seen the Government launch the #LetsTalkLoneliness campaign, a collaboration with various businesses and charities, aimed at tackling stigma with loneliness and recognising the warning signs.