Harborough MP is spearheading campaign to support lonely people as the coronavirus lockdown continues

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien is spearheading the campaign to support lonely people as the coronavirus lockdown continues.

Neil said he was honoured to have been made the new chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Loneliness.

The British Red Cross, which acts as the secretariat for the group, said Covid-19 has deepened feelings of loneliness and isolation for many.

The charity wants the Government to build on the stronger community spirit generated by the crisis to help keep people connected.

The APPG on Loneliness is running a major independent inquiry into tackling loneliness, “aiming to explore crucial but complex policy areas and develop tangible and ambitious next steps for government”.

Neil said: “Loneliness was already one of the country’s greatest public health issues before the coronavirus emergency.

“Now, in light of increased isolation as well as the economic and health impacts of the pandemic, tackling loneliness presents an ever greater challenge.

“But by us all working together it can be overcome.”

The Conservative MP added: “Loneliness isn’t just about feelings of sadness or separation or a lack of meaningful relationships with others.

“It’s also about what that can bring, including poor health and well-being, less productive lives and the devastating knock-on effects that has for individuals, communities and public services.

“It is a problem I said I would work to solve in my very first speech in the House of Commons and today, in light of Covid-19, I am more determined than ever.

“I look forward to chairing the APPG on Loneliness, and in particular, taking its major inquiry into loneliness forward.”

Zoe Abrams, Executive Director of Communications and Advocacy, British Red Cross said: “The British Red Cross is committed, along with the Co-op, to supporting the APPG on Loneliness at this critical time.

“We look forward to working with its new chair, Neil O’Brien MP, as well as its ever-growing number of cross-party parliamentarians, to reduce the impact of loneliness and isolation on those most at risk.”

She stressed: “Seeing communities come together to support vulnerable individuals and themselves through this emergency has been uplifting and inspiring.

“But, long before this crisis, the British Red Cross highlighted the extent of loneliness and isolation in the UK, with one in five people affected.

“That figure could easily rise in the wake of coronavirus.

“The enormous social and economic challenges ahead are likely to hit those who have the least ability to cope hardest.

“Loneliness can often be triggered by loss, financial hardship, poor mental health, stress and significant life events like job losses.

“But we also see through our work how resilient people and communities can be when they are better connected - and how that can protect against further harm.

“Working with the APPG and led by insights from its inquiry, we will continue to support policy and actions by government that we believe will help shift the dial on loneliness once and for all.”