Loneliness and Connection in the UK: A Cross-Government Call to Action

This June marks ten years since the murder of Jo Cox MP, whose legacy has inspired efforts to  address loneliness and strengthen social connection across the UK and beyond.

It also marks the tenth anniversary of Loneliness Awareness Week, which for a decade has helped shine a light on the impact of loneliness and the importance of meaningful social connection. 

In recognition of the anniversary, and the millions of people of all ages and from all backgrounds who feel lonely in the UK, members of the Loneliness Policy Action Group have collectively agreed a shared set of policy calls aimed at embedding loneliness prevention and social connection more deeply across government policy and public services. 

The group is united in the belief that addressing loneliness and strengthening social connection are foundational to healthier communities, improved wellbeing, stronger community cohesion and greater opportunity for people across all stages of life.

As we mark these anniversaries, we renew our commitment to Jo’s belief that we have far more in common than that which divides us, and to building a society where everyone feels connected, valued and supported. 

Call to action

International evidence highlights that addressing loneliness effectively requires a coordinated, multi-systemic approach crossing government policy, community infrastructure, health systems and wider social determinants. We are calling for renewed national leadership on loneliness and social connection through a cross government action plan.

At a minimum, this strategic commitment should:

• Health: Formally recognise social health as a core pillar of health, hardwiring loneliness prevention into key health agendas, such as the 10 Year Health Plan.

  
  

• Communities & Spaces: Foster connected communities by appointing local loneliness champions and embedding social connection principles into the design and planning of all new housing, public spaces and transport.

  
  

• Employment: Drive productivity and economic inactivity by incorporating loneliness support into national employment agendas and workplace frameworks.

  
  

• Technology: Future-proof the social health of our young people, by proactively addressing digital harms and ensuring emerging technologies and AI are harnessed to strengthen human connection.

  
  

• Destigmatisation and Narrative Change: Destigmatise loneliness through education and a coordinated national campaign, which promotes a unified narrative and a shared language.

These calls to action will appear in our 10 Years of Loneliness Awareness Week Report - coming 15 June 2026.

In recognition of the 10th anniversary, members of the Loneliness Policy Action Group have collectively agreed these shared set of calls to action. The group includes: