To ask the Minister for Communities, in the absence of a loneliness strategy, how he will work with the community and voluntary sector to reach out to people, promote greater social engagement and inclusion, and support opportunities and activities that do so.

The voluntary and community sector is diverse and complex and includes many organisations which deliver on key social outcomes with the support of a range of statutory bodies and non-statutory organisations.

My Department recognises the vital contribution of the sector in representing the interests of people and communities and in promoting societal wellbeing, resilience and inclusion. My Department supports the work of the sector to deliver wellbeing and inclusion outcomes through investment under a range of programmes including community empowerment, housing support, employability, sport, culture and heritage.

My Department also supports the Joint Forum between government and the voluntary and community sector, a mechanism where the contribution of the sector to tackling cross-cutting issues such as loneliness and social isolation can be highlighted and promoted across government.