Loneliness Hotspots Identified by Satellite Powered App

Satellite-powered app designed to spot loneliness in hotspots in UK cities has been adopted by Leeds City Council.

09:37 20 January 2021

Care View, a government-backed app that tackles social isolation and loneliness in urban areas, has been adopted by Leeds City Council. The app enlists the help of police officers, postal workers and charity workers across the city who register on the app when they see signs people may be experiencing social isolation. 

 

The announcement follows what is known as Blue Monday (18 January), which is said to be the most depressing day of the year following post-Christmas blues and dark cold nights. 

 

Science Minister Amanda Solloway said: "The social restrictions necessitated to tackle coronavirus, while essential, have brought into sharp focus just how much we all rely on face-to-face interaction in our everyday lives."

 

"Addressing loneliness in our communities is an issue that is particularly close to my heart and this pioneering satellite-enabled app will tap in to the goodwill of our heroic frontline workers and volunteers so that they can identify and help those most in need of support through the pandemic and for years to come."

 

Care View, which was developed by the Urban Sustainable Development Lab, has been used by Public Health teams, charities and Fire and Rescue Services to discover and support vulnerable people. 

 

Abhay Adhikari, founder of the Urban Sustainable Development Lab, said: "During the pandemic, the opportunity to work with teams from West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester has been a humbling experience. Everything we’ve learned so far will help us ensure that Care View continues to play a role in helping cities support socially isolated communities in the coming months and post-COVID recovery."