New fund to help organisations tackle loneliness

Baroness Barran has announced that a new £2 million fund is being launched to help organisations at the frontline of tackling loneliness across the country.

The Minister for Civil Society said that the funding will support frontline, grassroots organisations that bring people together and help them build social connections, including community cafés, street parties, coffee mornings or local walking groups.

One year on from the government’s Loneliness Strategy, the investment will help small organisations promote themselves more widely, help fund the use of suitable venues and accessible transport, and bring established groups together to best serve local people at risk of loneliness.

Baroness Barran 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.”