Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what additional mental health support is being provided to vulnerable people who have to self isolate for extended periods of time.

The Government recognises that social distancing and self-isolation are likely to increase the risk of loneliness and mental health issues.

Public Health England (PHE) have published guidance on social distancing for everyone in the United Kingdom and guidance on self-isolation and staying at home. These include a section on Mental Health and Wellbeing and how to protect older adults and vulnerable people. We are expecting PHE to publish further guidance on how members of the public can look after their mental health and where to get further support. PHE will also be publishing additional advice for the public on the Every Mind Matters website.

We are working with the voluntary sector and across Government to improve mental health support, such as helplines and community volunteering efforts, for those in self isolation.