May 24, 2021 The initiative is one of several being trialed by the government in nine areas across England with higher coronavirus (COVID-19) rates. — Courtesy photo LONDON — UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has unveiled pilot schemes aimed at supporting people required to self-isolate. The initiative is one of several being trialed by the government in nine areas across England with higher coronavirus (COVID-19) rates. In partnership with local authorities, the government is backing the pilots with 12 million pounds (nearly $17 million), which will be used for a range of initiatives including providing alternative accommodation for people in overcrowded households, social care support such as increasing existing social care support for vulnerable adults and providing ‘buddying’ services for people whose mental health has been affected by lockdown and the variant outbreaks, and language communications support for individuals where English isn’t their first language, the government said in a press statement.