Rachael Maskell responds to government's plans on loneliness during coronavirus crisis

“Labour welcomes this renewed focus on providing support for loneliness and social isolation as many are experiencing separation and loss from friends and family.

“Ensuring that charities, who already lead in tackling loneliness, act as anchor organisations for delivering community strategies to connect with people who are on their own is the right approach, since relationships will already be established and vital protocols in place as to how best reach out and support people in need of contact and care.

“Additional funding for these organisations is important to enable them to make vital and sustained connections with some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Anyone can experience loneliness at any stage in their life, and by having local support will build new bridges to help people through this testing time.”