VHS @ The Gathering 2017: A national strategy to tackle social isolation and loneliness
23/02/2017 @ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
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Join VHS at our event at the Gathering 2017 on the 23 February at the SECC in Glasgow to discuss a national strategy to tackle social isolation and loneliness.
Find out more about the Gathering 2017 and the free events and exhibition for the third sector across Scotland.
VHS event: Thursday 23rd February 1.30-2.30
Persistent loneliness causes real damage to people’s physical and mental health. It crushes the spirit and snatches away life chances by eroding people’s social skills and ability to benefit from education and work. It is not just an older people’s issue – children and young people are affected too. Poverty, inequalities, bereavement, ill health or being forcibly isolated (e.g. through prison) can make it worse. The experience may be one of stigma, social exclusion and bullying. The reasons are complex and the solutions not straightforward. The Scottish Government is at the early stages of developing a National Social Isolation Strategy “to ensure a holistic approach across government to problems of loneliness and isolation”. But what would a strategy look like and what is the vision? From our discussions with voluntary health organisations, the vision is for a Scotland that is generous, kind, outward looking and inclusive. So we are collaborating with other charities, including Befriending Networks and British Red Cross, to influence the national strategy and to demonstrate leadership in creating the conditions for more social and nurturing communities. Join us in this discussion – and in the collaboration.
Book your place at The Gathering 2017 and at our event.
Please contact Lauren Blair if you have any questions about the event.
