MP welcomes government loneliness strategy

The cross-department strategy aims to tackle loneliness which has become epidemic in recent years with evidence suggesting it is as great a public health danger as smoking or obesity. 

Key aspects of the strategy include doctors in England referring patients experiencing loneliness to community activities and voluntary services. There will also be £1.8 million additional funding to increase the number of community spaces available.

Ms Dinenage said: '˜With as many as 18 per cent of adults feeling lonely many of my constituents will benefit from this.'