To ask the Minister of Health to detail his plans (i) to develop a loneliness strategy; and (ii) to help embed loneliness and resultant policies cross-departmentally and in tandem with other relevant strategies.

Northern Ireland does not currently have a specific strategy to address loneliness nor one organisation identified to lead on this work. However, it is widely acknowledged that it is an important cross cutting issue that no one organization can tackle independently. It requires a collective and collaborative approach across sectors including, central government, statutory, voluntary and community sectors.

Recognising that as a society, the issue of loneliness needs to be given greater prominence, my department carried out a scoping study in 2020 to identify existing and emerging policies, strategies and initiatives that are in place across the HSC that make a positive contribution to tackling loneliness. Subsequently a Loneliness Forum was established that includes HSC Trusts, the Public Health Agency, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and DoH staff. DAERA also participate in the forum. The DOH/HSC forum focuses on promoting and sharing best practice.

My Department is committed to continuing to lead the DOH/HSC Forum and we will liaise with all stakeholders, including other Departments, to further develop plans to tackle loneliness.