WORK to tackle loneliness and isolation in Blackburn has won a ‘gold’ award.

The national Campaign to End Loneliness, said the council’s commitment to the issues, which often affect older people, was to be applauded.

The borough’s joint health and well-being strategy was labelled ‘gold’ standard - one of only eight local authorities nationwide to receive the accolade.

Among the good work being done is the Good Neighbour Awards, organised by the Lancashire Telegraph and Blackburn with Darwen Council to recognise people making a difference in their communities.

Councillor Kate Hollern, chairman of the Blackburn with Darwen Health and Well-being Board and leader of the council, said: “There is a lot of evidence and research to suggest loneliness and social isolation is a major issue and it’s a challenge that we need to tackle.

“The borough’s health and well-being strategy has a specific commitment to tackle it. It’s great a national campaign says we are on the right track but there is a lot of work to do.

“One of the areas we are hoping to build on is fostering neighbourliness.

“Good neighbours can have a massive effect on tackling these problems.

“I have met several people through the Your Call Good Neighbour Awards who are tackling these issues but we need more to come forward and work with us.”

Meanwhile, the county council’s Lancashire Health and Well-being Board had a ‘silver-ranking’ strategy, according to campaign bosses.

Research suggests loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. People who do not get enough social contact are more likely to die early and suffer mental illnesses.

More than half of all authorities across the country do not have a strategy to tackle loneliness.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, executive member for health and adult social care, said: “Social connections are vitally important for people’s health and well-being.”