Right Up Your Street: A Report on Loneliness

Pray Haringey was represented at Parliament when our co-ordinator Ps Christina Omideyi and accompanied by Ps Robert Danso attended the launch of the 'Right Up Your Street' report by FaithAction and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Faith and Society.

The Chair of the APPG on Faith and Society, Stephen Timms says:

"The UK is suffering a loneliness epidemic. The Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness found over nine million people say they are always or often lonely...Faith groups are deeply rooted in the community, and are in it for the long haul. They address emotional and spiritual needs. They are uniquely well-placed to respond to loneliness and social isolation."

Rodie Garland, Policy Adviser, co-author of report said that:

"Faith based organisations can offer friendship and love which statutory services can't"

This report from FaithAction highlights just some of the ways in which faith groups are working to tackle loneliness and isolation. It analyses the key features of their work and calls for more links between faith groups and other organisations as part of a national drive to end loneliness.

The APPG for Faith and Society is calling for those in public services, such as doctors and those involved in social prescribing, to make themselves aware of what local faith groups can offer, and be willing to refer people to this provision where appropriate. Mims Davies MP, the government minister with responsibility for tackling loneliness, supported this and said that faith groups are the ones who know what works, and that others should not therefore not be afraid of working in partnership with them.

Download the full report here

Remember to pray for those in authority