Together Co are to convene a local Tackling Loneliness Network for organisations, community groups, agencies and businesses to work together for lasting change.

A new government report has been published this week, ‘Emerging together: the Tackling Loneliness Network Action Plan’ calling for a step change in approaches to the ‘hidden epidemic’ that has drastic impact on every aspect of wellbeing. Based on a government consultation with a wide range of charities and organisations, it includes findings from a series of working groups including one led by Jo Crease, Chief Executive of TogetherCo, on local and place-based approaches to loneliness. 

The full report provides a series of recommendations ranging from a need for fundamental changes to the care system to actions to create local community partnerships. It includes a call for As part of the plan TogetherCo committed to conveninge a local Tackling Loneliness Network where organisations, community groups, public agencies and businesses are brought together to support Brighton and Hove to a connected recovery.  

Commenting on the findings, Jo Crease, Chief Executive, TogetherCo: “This report has finally bought government attention to a public health issue that cuts across every aspect of health and wellbeing. In Brighton and Hove, one in 14 people say they are often or always lonely and we know this has dramatically worsened during Covid-19. The action plan makes clear that it is local action that can have lasting impact which is why I am pleased to announce we will be convening a local Tackling Loneliness Network and are calling for organisations, community groups and businesses to get involved”.

‘Covid-19 has made us acutely aware of the value of our community connections, friends, family, neighbours – and the ability to make and sustain connections is vital to our health and wellbeing throughout our lives. Our ambition through the Tackling Loneliness Network is to help power a Connected Recovery in Brighton and Hove that brings people, businesses and public agencies together to address what must change to end loneliness. This includes considering how people access health information and support, or can become isolated, for example where transport links change. We know that working together we can make a difference and we hope that other organisations will join us.’ 

The ‘Emerging together: the Tackling Loneliness Network Action Plan’ was published on Sat 8th May and includes detailed recommendations based on a substantial consultation. It follows research published by TogetherCo showing it has met a 750% increase in demand for its services to help those isolated, alone or in need of emergency food deliveries during the first Covid-19 lockdown.  

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In Brighton and Hove, one in 14 people say they are often or always lonely and we know this has dramatically worsened during Covid-19. The action plan makes clear that it is local action that can have lasting impact which is why I am pleased to announce we will be convening a local Tackling Loneliness Network and are calling for organisations, community groups and businesses to get involved.”