Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to tackle the long term effect of the covid-19 lockdown on social isolation amongst disabled people.

The Government recognises that social distancing and self-isolation are likely to increase the risk of loneliness and mental health issues, particularly for disabled people. We continue to monitor the evidence here in the United Kingdom and internationally.

The Government and NHS England are working closely with mental health trusts to ensure those who need them have access to mental health services, maximising the use of digital and virtual channels to keep delivering support to patients. Numerous community volunteering efforts are now operating nationally and we have also set up NHS Volunteer Responders to help support the 1.5 million people in England who are at most risk from the virus.

Public Heath England has published guidance on self-isolation and staying at home for everyone in the UK, including for those with mobility issues.