The High Sheriff theme for 2020/21 is Tackling Social Isolation and Loneliness.

The structure of our communities is changing and more people of all ages are living alone. Social isolation and loneliness are pressing and difficult issues that are increasingly affecting both individuals and our communities and yet can often be hidden from view. It is estimated that social isolation and loneliness affects thousands of households in Cumbria and can lead to poor health and wellbeing and shorten lives.

I chose this theme over a year ago, however today the need to support the lonely is even greater. The challenge of loneliness is made more acute by the risk of coronavirus and the need for many in our communities to self-isolate for long periods. The constraints this poses on tackling loneliness means new, imaginative approaches to assist our fellow Cumbrians at this time are vital. During my year in office my priority will be to support the isolated and I already feel hugely encouraged by the way so many in our county are finding pragmatic, innovative ways to help. I aim to continue to bring this issue more into the open and to support the many organisations and projects within Cumbria working in our contrasting communities, in the hope that fewer people in the long term will suffer through being or feeling alone.