GPs to offer art courses to help lonely

GPS are to prescribe social activities for patients suffering from loneliness, the Government says today.

By 2023 doctors will be encouraged to use “social prescribing” to refer people to cookery classes, walking clubs and art groups.

Announcing an extra £1.8million for community projects such as art spaces and gardens, Theresa May said social prescriptions would reduce demand on the NHS and improve lives.

The PM will also pay tribute to murdered MP Jo Cox, who had campaigned on loneliness.

Mrs May said: “Jo was right to highlight this growing social injustice.”