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NEWS: Loneliness campaign to relieve pressure on practices

GP leaders have called for a national campaign to tackle loneliness and social isolation.

A national plan would give practices access to social prescribing to find the best support for patients suffering from these problems, the Royal College of GPs says.

It says that practices are often the first port of call – and sometimes the only point of contact – for people who have no one else in their lives.

College chair Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard said: “Loneliness is not a medical condition, but it can affect our patients’ health – some research studies estimate more so than obesity.

“It can also have a real impact on workload pressures in general practice and the wider NHS, at a time when the whole system is facing intense resource and workforce challenges.”

She added: “The UK is leading the way in appointing a Minister for Loneliness, and the government is embarking on a cross-department strategy to tackle loneliness and social isolation.

“We hope this Action Plan – informed by experts across health, community and voluntary sectors – outlining what we think needs to happen, will form a constructive part of that conversation and ensure that responsibility doesn’t disproportionately fall to one particular sector, but society as a whole.”

The move was welcomed by the Local Government Association.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, chair of its Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Loneliness is a serious public health concern which studies suggest can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

“The potential of social prescribing to tackle loneliness is immense and is an idea whose time has come. By connecting people with local community services and activities we can improve the health and wellbeing of large numbers of people.

“Councils have various schemes and initiatives in place to tackle loneliness and work closely with voluntary organisations and faith groups to support vulnerable people in the community.”

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