Barbara is supporting the work of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness which was recently launched in Parliament.

Jo Cox was determined to do what she could to tackle the loneliness crisis. In just over a year as an MP Jo had gathered detailed evidence about isolation in a number of different vulnerable groups. Through her work she met older people who had not spoken to another person in weeks, children in schools who felt alone despite having hundreds of online friends, and new parents who suddenly found themselves without their social connections at work. In January 2016, Jo formed a cross-party commission of organisations, campaigners and individuals to look at ways to tackle the issue.

Following Jo’s tragic death last June, the work of the Commission is now being taken forward in her memory. Working with 13 charities including Age UK and Action for Children, the Commission aims to shine a spotlight on the different aspects of loneliness and to look at positive ways to tackle the issues.

Barbara joined Jo’s parents, her sister and MPs from all parties at the launch in Parliament. Barbara is giving her backing to the work of the Commission and pledged to continue the work Jo started locally in Salford.

Barbara said:

“Tackling loneliness is a key issue. 1 in 5 people say they are always or often lonely, but almost two thirds say they feel uncomfortable admitting to it. It is an issue that affects people of all ages and yet too often it can go undetected as many people suffer in silence.

“I want to continue the work of the Commission on this important issue locally by looking at how loneliness is affecting people in Salford and at finding ways we can tackle the problem.”