AQW 6853/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 19/02/2024
Answered On Date: 20/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) their plans to implement a loneliness strategy; (ii) their assessment of the scale and nature of loneliness in Northern Ireland; and (iii) the anticipated cross-departmental work and responsibility that will be required in the formation and roll-out of such a strategy.

Answer:

At this time we have no plans for the Executive Office to develop and implement a cross-departmental loneliness strategy. No assessment has therefore been made of the resources likely to be required to do so.

In relation to The Executive Office, we are particularly aware of how issues such as social isolation and loneliness impact victims and survivors. Befriending services for victims and survivors are supported through the Victims and Survivors Service’s Health and Wellbeing Casework Network, and we are committed to improving access to services for rural and socially isolated victims and survivors through the new Victims and Survivors Strategy.