Halifax MP Holly Lynch to lead inquiry into coronavirus and connecting with isolated groups

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Social Integration, chaired by Halifax MP Holly Lynch, issued an open call for evidence today – and is hoping to hear not only from established charities and community organisations, but also from the many informal local groups that have sprung up to help lonely and isolated neighbours in communities across the country.

Its aim is to establish best practice for reaching isolated groups and overcoming some of the challenges in reaching them – not just older people but also those in sparsely populated rural areas, homeless people and some minority ethnic and migrant groups who may be vulnerable due to isolation.

Holly Lynch MP, Chair of the APPG on Social Integration, said: “The Coronavirus crisis has inevitably made isolation a reality for lots of people. Whilst there are good reasons for this, the need to find innovative ways of overcoming loneliness and connecting people has never been more important.

“Although social distancing will be key to mitigating the impact of the virus, hearing that your only social interaction of the week has been cancelled must be devastating news for people up and down the country.

“We have already seen wonderful examples of civic contribution and local solidarity – particularly for older people or those who are homeless or living in isolated rural areas.

“The inquiry will find out what’s worked well to combat social isolation and how people have overcome challenges.

"It will make recommendations to the government, councils and other institutions about what they can do to support this work. We hope it will help the ongoing response to the Coronavirus but also take some lessons for the future too.”

The inquiry will report back in April with recommendations of best practice for community organisations but also for national and local government and other institutions, as to how they can best help community efforts to combat isolation and loneliness.

Responses can be submitted up to Friday April 17 to the integration charity and thinktank British Future, secretariat to the inquiry, at [email protected].