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<p>Over the last eighteen months, the government has continued to take action in line
with the loneliness strategy, including through delivering a response to COVID-19
that recognises the value of social connection.</p><p>We have invested over £34 million
in charities focused on reducing loneliness and a further £50 million to organisations
supporting people with their mental health. This is part of the government's unprecedented
£750 million package of support for the sector during the pandemic, which has benefited
over 14,000 charities.</p><p>We also set up the £4 million Local Connections Fund
in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund. Through the Local Connections
Fund, we have awarded over 1,300 microgrants to charities and community groups that
help people to connect via the things they enjoy. For example, we’ve supported songwriting
workshops in Devon, dance classes in Bedfordshire, and online chat services in Durham.</p><p>We
established the Tackling Loneliness Network, bringing together over 80 organisations
across the public, private and voluntary sectors to share expertise and develop innovative
ways to tackle loneliness. The Tackling Loneliness Network Action Plan was published
in May 2021 and sets out actions that government and Network members are taking to
support social connection in response to COVID-19. A copy of this report will be placed
in the Libraries of the House and is available online at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/emerging-together-the-tackling-loneliness-network-action-plan"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/emerging-together-the-tackling-loneliness-network-action-plan</a></p><p>We
have continued to share practical tips and signpost support through the ‘Let’s Talk
Loneliness’ campaign. During Loneliness Awareness Week in June this year, our campaign
activity reached over 21 million people, including through partnerships with TikTok,
BT, Royal Mail and Electronic Arts.</p><p>The government publishes a report on its
work on loneliness every year. The latest was published in January 2021 and is available
online at: [<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/loneliness-annual-report-the-second-year/loneliness-annual-report-january-2021"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/loneliness-annual-report-the-second-year/loneliness-annual-report-january-2021</a>
] The next report will be published in early 2022.</p>
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