Projects exploring how transport can alleviate loneliness to receive funding

Government funding is going to several pilot projects exploring how transport can be used to tackle loneliness in the UK population.

12 organisations will benefit from the scheme, including projects providing support for elderly public transport passengers, autism awareness training for staff and a group electric cycling scheme.

Millions of people suffer with loneliness, which was worsened with the onset of the pandemic, but the government says it’s committed to researching how the problem can be combatted.

Findings from the research will be used to form future transport projects which will focus on alleviating loneliness.

Minister Baroness Vere said: ‘Loneliness affects millions of people across the UK. Transport can help us solve this problem by connecting us to people, places and experiences.

‘Congratulations to the organisations that secured funding for their proposals. This is a great opportunity to improve future transport schemes and shape the national conversation on loneliness.

‘We will continue to work closely with transport providers and community groups to build an inclusive and accessible transport network.’

In one such pilot project, Age UK’s Travelling Companions scheme, volunteers will support older people to reconnect with their communities by using public transport again following the pandemic.

Hannorah Lee, Director of Partnerships at Age UK, said: ‘Age UK is delighted to have been awarded funding from the Tackling Loneliness With Transport Fund. Around 1.2 million older people in the UK often feel lonely, which can have a devastating impact on their mental and physical health, and the pandemic made the situation worse.

‘Age UK’s Travelling Companions scheme will help significant numbers of older people to get back on public transport and go out and about once more. Best of all, it will have lasting benefits for them, improving their quality of life and supporting them to feel part of their communities again.’

Another project to receive funding is the National Autistic Society’s Driving Change for Autistic People programme which will offer training to transport providers to better understand autism.

It’s hoped this will lead to autistic people feeling more comfortable with taking public transport and reduce their loneliness.

Photo by Ant Rozetsky