MP for North Swindon Justin Tomlinson has welcomed the introduction by the government of a cross-departmental initiative to tackle loneliness and isolation

Theresa May announced this week that the issue will be added to ministerial portfolios at the Ministry for Housing, Community and Local Government, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the Department for Transport.

This is in addition to the Department for Health and Social Care and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Mr Tomlinson, a minister at the Department for Work and Pensions said: "Loneliness has a huge impact on mental and physical wellbeing, and it is vital that we do all we can to address this problem.

"Nobody should be left to feel isolated and alone, and I welcome the Government’s efforts to ensure that everybody can experience a sense of community and companionship.”

Loneliness will also be incorporated into relationships education classes so children in primary and secondary schools can learn about loneliness and the value of social relationships.

Loneliness will feature in the Department for Education’s resources for teaching from September 2020.

Pilot projects to support flexible and inclusive volunteering for people such as those with long-term health conditions, which will rolled out in up to five pilot areas in England.

A £1.8m investment was also confirmed to increase the number of community spaces available such as creating new community cafes, art spaces or gardens.