Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that emotional support through contact with family members for adults in supported living is included in the planning for the easing of covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

The Government acknowledges that social distancing policy is having an impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Public Health England has published guidance on social distancing and self-isolation, and advice on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak, together with guidance for parents and carers about supporting their children’s mental health and wellbeing.

On 5 June, the Government published guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19. On 12 June, the Government also updated its guidance on staying alert and safe (social distancing), which sets out advice on staying safe when meeting family members, friends and how to form a support bubble. Both sets of guidance are must be referred to when planning visits to supported living environments.

We are also reviewing and updating the specific guidance on supported living environments, which will be published shortly.