Comment from Meryl Davies, Contact the Elderly (now Re-engage) CEO, on the Government’s launch of £20 million fund to combat loneliness:

Meryl Davies, CEO of Contact the Elderly (now Re-engage), said:

“The government’s pledge of £20 million for community groups and charities working with isolated and lonely people is welcomed by everyone at Contact the Elderly. Through our work with thousands of the most isolated older people in the UK, we know how widespread the problem of loneliness is, and how damaging it can be for people's physical and mental wellbeing.

We know that the only way to end loneliness will be by working with communities to help us reach the most isolated people in our society. We believe in the power of community, and the power of individuals helping one another. The government’s recognition of the importance of communities in this fight is exciting news. We hope this will be a significant step towards creating a more integrated and more connected society, where no one has to suffer social isolation in silence.

We're so excited to continue working with our partners in the field. This issue is so important, and so widespread, that we all need to work together if we are going to make an impact.”

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Note - Contact the Elderly is now Re-engage