Tackling Loneliness

Charities and community groups in England can now apply for a share of ￡11.5 million aimed at tackling loneliness by building strong social connections and welcoming communities.

The ￡11.5 million Building Connections Fund was announced on 19 June by the Prime Minister, Theresa May, and lead Minister for Tackling Loneliness, Tracey Crouch, in response to the Jo Cox Commission’s recommendations on Loneliness. Almost ￡9 million will be distributed by the Big Lottery Fund, and will support projects already working to prevent or reduce loneliness to increase their impact; and ￡2 million will be distributed by the Co-Op Foundation, specifically for youth projects.

Grants of between ￡30,000 and ￡100,000 will be available for projects which reach out to people of all ages who feel lonely or isolated, and encourage them to take part in activities, helping them to feel more connected.

This could include making the most of community spaces, improving access to transport, using digital technology, or joining up local services to have a bigger reach. Big Lottery applications are open now and will close on Friday 24 August. Guidance and criteria are available on the Big Lottery Fund website.

Co-Op Foundation applications will open in August. See https://blog.coopfoundation.org.uk/