The Scottish Government have published their draft strategy, ‘A Connected Scotland: Tackling social isolation and loneliness and building stronger social connections‘. The draft strategy has a strong focus on empowering communities to help tackle loneliness and social isolation whilst also detailing the role the Government can play. The consultation period ends April 27th 2018.
You can also register for engagement events which the Scottish Government have planned across Scotland, the dates and venues are as follows:
Edinburgh – 29th January 2018
Glasgow – 30th January 2018
Dundee -1st February 2018
Aviemore – 5th February 2018
Dumfries – 12th February 2018
Oban – 19 February 2018
Inverness – 26th February 2018
Orkney – 27th February 2018
VHS have lead on a number of discussions and engagement sessions on loneliness and social isolation, over the last 15 months. We have engendered debate about what the strategy could do, bringing together a range of local and national third sector organisations as well as provided a bridge between the third sector, Scottish Government, NHS Boards and the Scottish Public Health Network in consideration of the national strategy.
We have pulled together a short briefing based on all of the evidence and information we have gathered through our research and engagement since our 2016 Annual Conference, Loneliness a Threat to Health. The aim of the briefing is to provide an insight into the issue of loneliness and social isolation, why it should be seen as a health issue and highlight some emerging themes that could help tackle the issue of loneliness and social isolation.
You can read the full briefing here – Loneliness and Social Isolation Briefing 2018
We encourage people to respond to the consultation and to attend one of the engagement events. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Kiren Zubairi, Policy Engagement Officer: Kiren.Zubairi@vhscotland.org.uk
