The government is launching a new £2m fund to tackle loneliness.

The funding comes one year since the publication of the government’s Loneliness Strategy and aims to support frontline, grassroots organisations that bring people together and help them to build social connections.

The strategy included funding 126 projects through its £11.5 million Building Connections Fund - the first Government fund ever dedicated to reducing loneliness, jointly funded with the Co-op Foundation and National Lottery Community Fund.

According to the GOV.UK website further details on the funding application process, including eligibility and when it will open, will follow in due course.

Baroness Barran, minister for civil society and loneliness, said: “Loneliness is one of the biggest public health challenges our country faces and we are committed to tackling it head on.

“This new fund is a fitting way to mark one year since the launch of our landmark strategy and will help grassroots organisations address the issue in their own communities.”