The third Annual Report on tackling loneliness provides an update on progress since the publication of the cross-government Loneliness Strategy in 2018.
Talking about loneliness can be a “healing act”, the Government’s minister for loneliness has said as she urged people not to forget that others may be struggling as society rebuilds from the pandemic.
Baroness Diana Barran said loneliness “is unquestionably a major public health challenge” and that the lockdowns have shown people “how important our connections are to us”.
The UK is at a “critical stage” in tackling loneliness, she said, adding that it is important people do not make assumptions as there are a “whole lot of people who we might not expect to be struggling”.
As part of its #LetsTalkLoneliness campaign, the Government is urging everyone to check in with friends, family and neighbours, asking how they feel about getting out and about again.