Leisure industry bodies join UK government to tackle loneliness during lockdown

The UK government has launched a "major effort" to tackle loneliness and social isolation during the coronavirus outbreak.

Led by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, the plan will aim to ensure that, for people of all ages and backgrounds, staying at home does not need to lead to loneliness.

To support the initiative, a network of high-profile charities, businesses, organisations and public figures has been tasked with exploring ways to bring people together to build strong community spirit, with a focus on groups at particular risk of loneliness.

The ‘Tackling Loneliness Network’ group is chaired by minister for loneliness, Baroness Barran, and includes a number of Leisure industry bodies – including the English Premier League, the Sport and Recreation Alliance, English Football League, Arts Council England and Manchester Museum. Other major organisations in the network include the BBC, Facebook, ITV, Vodafone, British Red Cross and Zurich.

Described as a "wide-ranging cross-government and cross-sector plan", the initiative will see loneliness being placed at the heart of a £750m charity funding package.

As part of the pledge, national loneliness organisations are being guaranteed a £5m funding boost.

In addition, loneliness charities – including Age UK – will be supported to work with NHS Volunteer Responders in their communities.

"Coronavirus and social distancing has forced all of us to look loneliness in the eye," Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden

"Recognising the signs and tackling the stigma has never been more important.

"We’re launching this plan now to help ensure no one needs to feel lonely in the weeks ahead. It will help everyone understand the role they can play in looking after each other and empower our expert charities and volunteers to reach more vulnerable people."