On 22 April 2020, the Government launched a major effort to tackle loneliness and social isolation during the coronavirus outbreak and the social distancing period.
The campaign has been launched to get people talking openly about loneliness, and to ensure that staying at home does not lead to loneliness. The latest #Let’sTalkLoneliness public campaign has been rolled out, which encourages discussions on loneliness and offers guidance and tips on what to do to look after yourself and others. More information on this campaign can be found here.
In a wider ranging cross-Government and cross-sector plan, the Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP, Secretary of State for DCMS, has announced loneliness to be a priority category of £750 million charity funding package, and has guaranteed a £5 million boost for national loneliness organisations throughout the UK. Charities such as Age UK will be supported to work with NHS Volunteer Responders in their communities on this issue.
The Government has also convened a network of high-profile charities, businesses organisations and public figures. The group will explore ways to bring people together, focusing on the groups particularly at risk of loneliness.
The World Health Organisation has recommended video games as a way of keeping connected and physically and mentally stimulated. Today more than ever, video games are for everyone. There are games that are great for young and old alike, releases that are perfect for families to play together, and there are games suitable only for adults. TIGA has partnered with DCMS to promote important social distancing and loneliness messaging.
For more information, please see here.