More than 840 charities and community groups are to receive a share of £2m in the latest round of Local Connections Fund grants to combat loneliness and social isolation.

The awards are for between £300 and £2,500 and are being distributed to encourage people to access local activities and services.

The funding also aims to cover the costs of technology and equipment, support, safeguarding and help people be more involved in their communities.

This is the second round of funding through the Fund, with more than 850 groups and charities receiving £2m last year.

The Fund is being jointly funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which supported the first round of funding, and the National Lottery Community Fund, which backed the second round.

Among charities to receive second round funding is Headway Blackpool. It’s £2,500 grant will be used to help people with disabilities access cycling to reduce loneliness and improve their health.

“Loneliness is a critical challenge for people and communities in the UK, not least in recent times,” said NLCF England Committee chair John Mothersole.

Charities minister Nigel Huddleston added: “I'm delighted to see this second round of funding has again contributed towards more fantastic projects as we continue to work towards our goal of tackling loneliness by supporting people to make connections in their local communities."

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