Prime Minister Theresa May has announced this week a £1.8m fund to tackle loneliness.

Launching the UK’s first loneliness strategy, Mrs May has confirmed GPs in England will be able to refer lonely people to community activities by 2023.

These include cooking classes ,group walks and dancing sessions.

Postal workers have been urged to check in on lonely people when completing their delivery rounds.

Organisations have welcomed the Government’s new strategy.

The aim is to connect people and help 200,000 elderly individuals who feel lonely.

Dr Jim Hacking, local GP in Morecambe Bay and Executive Lead for Mental Health said he refers patients to voluntary organisations.

He said:“Loneliness can affect all age ranges and we do regularly see patients who have come in for an appointment who are lonely.

“The plans to help fund community initiatives that provide people with a sense of belonging are greatly welcomed.

He added:“Loneliness can have a negative impact on mental health and wellbeing and has been linked to a number of health issues, such as heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s.

“Being able to treat patients by referring them to social activities would be a useful tool as an alternative to using prescription drugs.”

St Mary's Hospice has welcomed Mrs May’s plans and are pleased to see a committed plan to helping GPs tackling loneliness.

The hospice provides specialised supportive and palliative care for people with life limiting conditions throughout south Cumbria.

Sarah Simpson, St Mary’s Marketing Manager said: "We believe that no one should be alone in our community.

"St Mary’s is continuing to develop our services and increase the number of people we reach.

She added: "We have many services that tackle loneliness and isolation including Community Neighbours, Living Well activity, Fundraising events , and volunteering.

"It is a great way to build new friendships."