THE fall of power-sharing has prevented widespread loneliness in Northern Ireland from being tackled, an SDLP MLA has claimed.
Sinéad Bradley said the Republic and Britain are compiling plans to deal with loneliness, which can affect all sections of society.
However, Ms Bradley said that the north's "political dysfunction" means that the problem is not being addressed.
She has organised a meeting at Stormont on December 3 of groups working to tackle loneliness.
Ms Bradley said she would prefer to set up an all-party group but cannot due to the absence of an assembly.
"It is recognised that loneliness is highly prevalent amongst older citizens and people living with disabilities, but we must recognise it reaches far beyond these groups," she said.
"Loneliness can affect many people such as first time mums, immigrants, carers, people starting new jobs or university, and those bereaved, to name just some."
The MLA pointed to studies which said loneliness not only has an impact on people's mental health but can be a contributing factor in causing disrupted sleep patterns and even illness.
Ms Bradley said although many groups, including the Red Cross and Age NI, were working to tackle the problem, they were operating independently.
Meanwhile, the Volunteer Now charity has appealed for more people to take part in their befriending and driving schemes.
The charity's befriending week will run from November 1 to 7.
Lindsay Armstrong from the charity said a volunteer befriender or driver can be a "life-changer to many people".
"Providing friendship by calling for a chat breaks the monotony of another day spent alone at home," she said.
To find out more about the scheme email Victoria.O’Neill@volunteernow.co.uk or telephone 028 9023 2020.
