The Health Inequalities Cross Party Group met on the 31st January to discuss loneliness and social isolation and the impact on health inequalities. The meeting was chaired by co-convenor of the group Donald Cameron MSP.

The opening presentation was from Minister for Older People and Equalities, Christina McKelvie MSP, discussing a ‘A Connected Scotland: Our strategy for tackling social isolation and loneliness and building stronger social connections’ 

We also heard from:

 Kiren Zubairi, Policy Engagement Officer, Voluntary Health Scotland
 Sandra Brown, Scotland and North England Manager, Eden Project Communities
 Nicola Hanssen, General Manager, Roar: Connections for Life
 Nicola Tomkinson, Senior Health Improvement Programme Officer, NHS Ayrshire and Arran

The draft minutes of the meeting can be read here.

We also have a link to ‘Coorie’ from COPE Scotland.

At the meeting the following organisations were welcomed as new members of the cross party group:

• Scottish Rural Health Partnership
• Breast Cancer Now
• Scottish Obesity Alliance

If you have any questions about this or future meetings of CPG, please get in touch with Lauren Blair.