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<p>The Department does not make support available to men experiencing family isolation.
Local commissioners are responsible for ensuring that health services match the needs
of the population. However, in 2012 the Department announced that local authorities
would now be expected to identify areas where older people suffer most acutely from
loneliness to allow them to tackle the growing problem of social isolation and its
harmful effects.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Research clearly shows that loneliness
can affect health, increasing the risk of heart disease, putting people at greater
risk of blood clots and dementia, and making them more likely to exercise less and
drink more. Socially isolated and lonely adults are also more likely to undergo early
admission into residential or nursing care. The new measure of social isolation, launched
as part of the updated Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework for 2013/14, is part of
a package of plans to addressing the challenges of caring for an ageing population.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Government knows that there are links between mental ill
health and social factors like isolation and family breakdown. <em>Preventing suicide
in England: A cross-government outcomes strategy to save lives</em>, published in
2012, identified a number of high risk groups who are priorities for prevention young
and middle-aged men. The Strategy recognises that factors associated with suicide
in men include family and relationship problems including marital breakup and social
isolation. Those who work with men in different settings, especially primary care,
need to be particularly alert to the signs of suicidal behaviour.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>
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