By Sammie Jones-
Theresa May has set out her first first cross-Government strategy to tackle the chronic problem of loneliness in the Uk.
The Prime Minister who in recent months has been embattled in tough talks with the EU to strike a Brexit deal, has turned some of her attention on the often neglected issue of loneliness. Theresa May confirmed today that all GPs in England will be able to refer patients experiencing loneliness to community activities and voluntary services by 2023.
The grand scheme is being launched in collaboration with a number of organisations including Royal Mail, the Jo Cox Foundation, Sainsbury’s, British Transport, and Tes Family. Together, they aim to effectively tackle the problem of loneliness in Britain. It is a positive course.
Three quarters of GPs surveyed have said they are seeing between one and five people a day suffering with loneliness. Loneliness is said to be linked to a range of damaging health impacts, like heart disease, strokes and Alzheimer’s disease. Around 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month.
The practice known as ‘social prescribing’ will allow GPs to direct patients to community workers offering tailored support to help people improve their health and well being, instead of defaulting to medicine. The drive to tackle loneliness is great and should be received with open arms. Nobody should suffer from loneliness in a world where there is an abundance of company. Loneliness can be caused by a range of factors include bereavement, rejection, abandonment and low self esteem.
As part of the long-term plan for the NHS, the British government will be providing funding to connect patients to a variety of activities, such as cookery classes, walking clubs and art groups, reducing demand on the NHS and improving patients’ quality of life. Up to a fifth of all UK adults feel lonely most or all of the time. Evidence shows loneliness can be as bad for health as obesity or smoking. The Prime Minister has also announced the first ever ‘Employer Pledge’ to tackle loneliness in the workplace.
A network of high-profile businesses – including Sainsbury’s, Transport for London, Co-op, British Red Cross, National Grid and the Civil Service – have pledged to take further action to support their employees’ health and social well being.
Founder Alex Smith of Tes Family said:
”This is a serious strategy that’s not only going to help people feel more connected in their everyday lives but is also inspiring other Governments and communities around the world to see loneliness for what it is: a heart-breaking emotion and a major public health issue. It’s welcome the Government is acting – that can spur real culture change”.
Kim Leadbeater, Jo’s sister, on behalf of the Jo Cox Foundation said:
I am delighted that the strategy for tackling loneliness is being launched today. The work on loneliness has been a hugely important part of Jo’s legacy and it is heartwarming to see how much progress has been made on the subject since her murder.
PARTNER
The Government will also partner with the Royal Mail on a new scheme in Liverpool, New Malden and Whitby. will see postal workers check up on lonely people as part of their usual delivery rounds. Postal workers will be speaking with isolated people to help link them up with support from their families or communities if required.
The Prime Minister also confirmed £1.8m to increase the number of community spaces available. The funding will be used to transform under utilized areas by creating new community cafes, art spaces or gardens. This new funding builds on £20m announced in June to help charities and community groups expand their programmes which bring people together to benefit communities.
Writing in her foreword for the Loneliness Strategy, the Prime Minister Theresa May said:
‘Loneliness is a reality for too many people in our society today… it can affect anyone of any age and background…
Across our communities there are people who can go for days, weeks or even a month without seeing a friend or family member.
So Jo Cox was absolutely right to highlight the critical importance of this growing social injustice which sits alongside childhood obesity and mental well being as one of the greatest public health challenges of our time.
I was pleased to be able to support the Loneliness Commission set up in Jo’s name and I am determined to do everything possible to take forward its recommendations.
This strategy is only the beginning of delivering a long and far reaching social change in our country – but it is a vital first step in a national mission to end loneliness in our lifetimes’.
The Prime Minister has today set out a series of further commitments to help all age groups build connections:
PORTFOLIOS
Adding loneliness to ministerial portfolios at the Ministry for Housing, Community and Local Government, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the Department for Transport. This is in addition to the Department for Health and Social Care and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Incorporating loneliness into ongoing policy decisions with a view to a loneliness ‘policy test’ being included in departments’ plans.
Embedding loneliness into relationships education classes so children in primary and secondary schools can learn about loneliness and the value of social relationships. Loneliness will feature in the Department for Education’s resources for teaching from September 2020.
Pilot projects to support flexible and inclusive volunteering for people such as those with long-term health conditions will rolled out in up to five pilot areas in England.
Meeting tech companies to discuss loneliness – Tracey Crouch and Margot James, the Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries will explore the impact technology has on loneliness and how they can help prevent it.
Minister for Loneliness, Tracey Crouch said:
Nobody should feel alone or be left with no one to turn to. Loneliness is a serious issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds and it is right that we tackle it head on.
Our Strategy sets out a powerful vision for addressing this generational challenge. By bringing together health services, businesses, local authorities, charities and community groups we will raise awareness of loneliness and help people build connections to lead happier and healthier lives.