Dance classes and cookery for the lonely ... on the NHS

ELDERLY people could be prescribed ballroom dancing or cookery classes on the NHS to help combat loneliness, Theresa May will announce today.

Instead of doling out pills, GPs will be encouraged to refer lonely people for social activities – which could also include walking clubs or art groups.

The plan is part of a landmark ‘loneliness strategy’ being launched today amid concerns the problem is now a serious public health threat.

Figures suggest that 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month.

As part of the strategy, the Prime Minister wants postal workers to check on lonely people during their rounds.

They will be encouraged to chat to isolated residents and even suggest to them that they join local community groups.

The scheme, which will be tried out in Liverpool and Whitby, north Yorkshire, could be rolled out nationwide. Downing

‘Growing social injustice’

Street is announcing £1.8million in extra funding to create community cafés and gardens to encourage people to meet.

Up to a fifth of UK adults feel lonely most or all of the time, and evidence suggests loneliness can be as bad for health as obesity or smoking. It is linked to illnesses including heart disease, strokes and Alzheimer’s.

Government sources said the strategy will save millions in the long-term by nipping other health problems in the bud.

In her foreword to the strategy, Mrs May praised murdered MP Jo Cox who campaigned to end loneliness.

She wrote. ‘Jo Cox was right to highlight this growing social injustice which sits alongside childhood obesity and mental wellbeing as one of the greatest public health challenges of our time.’

Mrs May added: ‘I was pleased to support the Loneliness Commission set up in Jo’s name and I am determined to do everything possible to take forward its recommendations.’

Christina McKelvie, Scotland’s Minister for Older People and Equalities, said: ‘We know there is a link between loneliness and poor physical and mental health and that this can impact on everyday life.

‘We lead the way when it comes to tackling this and later this year we will publish the final version of our national strategy to address loneliness and isolation.’