11 March 2021
Academic to aid city's efforts to support COVID-hit communities
A King’s academic will be aiding the Greater London Authority’s efforts to support communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
![Mental health of the vulnerable most at risk from social isolation in COVID19 pandemic](/newimages/ioppn/news-spotlights/mental-health-of-the-vulnerable-most-at-risk-from-social-isolation-in-covid19-pandemic.x7786b598.jpg?w=780&h=557&crop=780,440,0,59&f=webp)
Dr Rod Dacombe, from the Department of Political Economy, has been appointed to the Greater London Authority's Civic Strength Index Steering Group, which is working to development a measurement tool that will allow a greater understanding of the factors that support strong communities.
The project will have a particular focus on communities which have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Dr Dacombe offering expert advice.
The director of King’s Centre for British Politics and Government, Dr Dacombe was also invited to give evidence to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs social science expert group, as part of their review of public engagement. His submission took place on 25 February.