Laura Sharman 24 March 2021

Report calls for a 'connected recovery' from pandemic

Report calls for a connected recovery from pandemic image

Safer and more welcoming public spaces would help people reconnect post-COVID-19, MPs and peers have argued.

A new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Loneliness calls for a ‘connected recovery’ from the pandemic and for urgent action to be taken to tackle the root causes of loneliness and isolation.

The report calls for new housing developments to be 'loneliness-proof', investment in community and social infrastructure so people have places to go to where they can reconnect, and sets ambitious targets to close the digital divide.

A survey conducted by the British Red Cross shows that around two-in-five adults are more worried about their feelings of loneliness than they were before the pandemic.

Three out of ten UK adults say a lack of facilities like public toilets, local bus services or accessibility adaptations will prevent them from meeting people when restrictions lift.

Neil O’Brien, chair of the AAPG and Conservative MP for Harborough, said: ‘Practically, people who lack strong support networks have struggled to access food or medicines when they’ve needed to shield or isolate. Emotionally, their confidence and spirit have been knocked.

'Yet the pandemic has also shown us the power of connected communities. No matter where you live, neighbours and other quality connections – including those on the internet – have mattered.

'This means more public toilets, better street lighting, ramps and quiet safe spaces, so that everyone from all ages and all backgrounds has the facilities they need in order to make valuable friendships in their area.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner