Co-op welcomes Government strategy announcement

15 October 2018

After four years of campaigning on loneliness in partnership with British Red Cross the Co-op welcomes the announcement of the Government’s strategy to tackle loneliness.

Co-op has also helped shape an employers’ pledge to tackle loneliness which has now been signed by a network of high-profile businesses – including Transport for London, Sainsbury’s, British Red Cross, National Grid and the Civil Service and they have pledged to take further action to support their employees’ health and social wellbeing.

Paul Gerrard, the Co-op’s Campaigns Director responding to the Government’s announcement today said:

“This is another important milestone in tackling loneliness in our society. Through the research Co-op and Red Cross commissioned we know that over 9 million people are affected by loneliness. It’s a pervasive issue that does not discriminate – its effects can strike at different life stages and is not the preserve of the old.

“Our response to the findings was to develop the nationwide community connector service which has already helped 3,000 people across the UK. Our work also continues through our Co-op Foundation, which is tackling youth loneliness through its UK-wide Belong network and the £2m Building Connections Fund.

“In addition, through the Loneliness Action Group we’re bringing organisations together encouraging them to work in partnership to help deliver this strategy and provide much needed help for those who experience the acute feelings of desperation that loneliness can bring.”

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For further information

Chris Sonne - 07770544721