New figures out this week to mark the second anniversary of the release of the Marmot Review, Fair Society, Healthy Lives, show that while life expectancy has improved for most of the 150 local authority areas in England that will take over responsibility for public health in April 2013, inequalities within these areas also increased. Read more in our News section.

Loneliness is the ‘hidden killer’ of older people, according to a new charity campaign launched this week, which is calling for greater recognition of the link between isolation and ill-health. The Campaign to End Loneliness warns that lonely older people are at increased risk of depression, lack of exercise and bad diet. Read more in our News section.

As we report on our website, charities have welcomed the findings of the House of Commons Health Select Committee Social Care Report, which recognises the funding gap that needs to be addressed by the Government in its Social Care White Paper this spring. Read more in our News section.

The Department of Health is currently looking at new ways of communicating with young people to improve their health outcomes, and will launch a new marketing programme later this year. If you work with young people or are interested in finding out more, check out our News section for further information and contact details.

The Guardian has today reported that some long-term sick and disabled people face being forced to work unpaid for an unlimited amount of time or have their benefits cut under plans being drawn up by the Department for Work and Pensions. A number of mental health professionals and charities have said they fear those deemed fit to undertake limited amounts of work under a controversial assessment process could suffer further harm to their health if the plans go ahead. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers, Disability Rights UK and MIND are amongst those opposing the plans.