Support MK’s Isolated Residents, Demand Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats are calling for £50,000 to be added to the Council's 2021/22 budget to be used to tackle loneliness and isolation.

The Group will propose this as part of their amendment to the budget at Full Council on 24 February.

They are suggesting the money be used to fund investment in two temporary work experience roles for a 12-month period. The posts will provide outreach support to vulnerable and isolated people, where there are risks to their mental health and wellbeing.

Councillor Andy Reilly, Liberal Democrat Health and Adult Social Care Spokesperson, said: "Social isolation can have a damaging effect on mental health. Isolation and loneliness often impact young people, those living alone, or people who are on low incomes or out of work."

"Recent studies show that people who felt most isolated prior to Covid now have even higher levels of loneliness." "Our proposed investment will create a pilot outreach service to support vulnerable and isolated people. The project will point people to activities and opportunities within local communities to help them achieve sustainable improvements to mental health."