Loneliness: Older People

(asked on 19th December 2019) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to tackle loneliness and social isolation in older people.


Answered by
Jo Churchill Portrait
Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
This question was answered on 10th January 2020

The Government recognises that loneliness can have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of older people.

The Government’s Loneliness Strategy ‘A connected society – A strategy for tackling loneliness – laying the foundations for change’ (published on 15 October 2008) acknowledged that tackling loneliness is complex and a long-term challenge, requiring action across many fronts. It brought together Government, local government, public services, the voluntary and community sector and businesses to identify opportunities to tackle loneliness and build more integrated and resilient communities.

Work in other areas can also help to tackle loneliness and social isolation. For example, the Government’s £11.5 million Building Connections Fund will see the Government working with charitable trusts, foundations, and others to support projects that are able to prevent or reduce loneliness in older people as well as other age groups. Similarly, through our Ageing Society Grand Challenge, the Government will harness innovative products and services to help people remain healthy and independent for longer, continue to participate through work and within their communities, and stay connected to others.

The Government remains fully committed to working with others to combat loneliness and social isolation.

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