We must do more to tackle loneliness epidemic, says Steve Reed

We must do more to tackle loneliness epidemic, says Steve Reed

 In News, Parliament, Speeches

Loneliness has reached epidemic proportions across the UK, affecting people in all age groups.  Older people are left isolated at home after Government cuts led to the closure of day centres and lunch clubs.  Younger people, forced to move away from their home towns to look for work, also experience isolation with no one to turn to for help after the Government cut funding for local charities.

The Government has finally recognised the problem exists by publishing a loneliness strategy.  But Steve Reed MP was quick to point out it won’t achieve much if it doesn’t put money back into the services and community groups that play a key role in tackling the problem in the communities where it exists.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Steve Reed MP said:

The fine words in this strategy will not reduce loneliness to the extent we all hope for unless the Government stop cutting the services and organisations that are helping to tackle loneliness in our communities.

My response to the launch of the Government's Loneliness Strategy

Loneliness will remain a scourge in our society unless the Government stops cutting the services and organisations that prevent it.

Posted by Steve Reed MP on Tuesday, 16 October 2018
  • Steve Reed
    Steve Reed Member of Parliment for Croydon North

Steven Reed is Labour MP for Croydon North and Shadow Minister for Children and Families. In 2018 his private member’s bill on reducing violent mental health restraint became law. In June 2019 he launched Labour’s civil society strategy outlining radical plans to empower citizens and communities.

Steve chairs the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network, co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for London, was Leader of Lambeth Council 2006-12 where he led the council’s children’s services to become best-rated in the country and pioneered the public-health approach to tackling violent youth crime. He worked in publishing for 16 years and was an elected trade union branch secretary.