Covid-19 Loneliness Fund: A Process Evaluation

This document summarizes evaluations of programs designed to combat loneliness during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a focus on the Covid-19 Loneliness Fund. The evaluations used a mix of literature reviews, data analysis, focus groups, and interviews to assess the effectiveness of services provided to various demographics, including women, younger adults, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Key findings across the evaluations indicate that services such as befriending and digital inclusion programs were effective in reducing loneliness, though challenges such as digital exclusion and the need for sustainable solutions were noted. The evaluations also highlighted the impact of health status on loneliness, showing that those with long-term illnesses or disabilities experienced higher levels of social isolation. Overall, the programs had a positive impact, but recommendations for future interventions include allowing more setup time and considering the effectiveness of digital versus in-person delivery. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Closed organisation: Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Focus groups or group interviews; Individual interviews; Other; Output or performance modelling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: March 2021

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes