by Catherine Tang, reporter

A study by charity Age UK shows more than two million people over the age of fifty will be lonely by 2026. Theresa May has set plans in motion in order to combat this unnerving statistic by giving GPs the power to prescribe social activities for loneliness.

The Prime Minister said social prescription would reduce demands on the NHS and improve patient͛s quality of life.

An extra £1.8 million will fund community projects like community cafes, art spaces and gardens.

This will come as a great relief for families who worry about their loved ones like Sophie Venes’ grandma, who is still trying to deal with the death of her husband that happened two years ago.

Chair of the Royal College of GPs, Helen Stokes-Lampard, said this is a great result for GPs and patients.

She said:

“GPs across the country are seeing an increase in the number of patients, across all generations, who are not ‘medically’ ill, but whose problems stem from social isolation, so it is very encouraging to see the Government taking action on this.”

GPs will be able to fully prescribe social activities by 2023.