Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of how loneliness among older people is considered within health and social care planning in Surrey Heath constituency.

Whilst no specific assessment of the adequacy of how loneliness among older people has been considered in health and care planning in Surrey Heath, the Department aims to ensure that all demographics, including older people are considered in its policies.

One of the interventions that can work well for people who are experiencing loneliness is social prescribing. Referrals to social prescribing can be made through general practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, but also wider statutory services such as social care and the voluntary sector, as well as self-referral. Social Prescribing Link Workers connect people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.

Under the Care Act 2014 local authorities have a duty to promote wellbeing when carrying out care and support duties.