VHS welcome the newly published Scottish Government Strategy, A Connected Scotland which aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation in Scotland. This strategy will run from 2018 to 2026 and the Scottish Government will report biennially on its progress.

We are heartened by the strategy’s 4 priorities which aim to empower communities, tackle stigma, create opportunities for people to connect and support infrastructure that fosters connections as well as the clear actions that support these priorities.

Some of the key points from the strategy include:

• A £1 million commitment over the next 2 years to help build capacity and pilot innovative approaches to tackling social isolation and loneliness.
• Establishing a Ministerial Steering Group, chaired by the Minister for Older People and Equalities, to take high level ownership of this strategy and oversee long term implementation.
• Establishing a National Implementation Group, chaired by the Minister for Older People and Equalities and comprising key organisations with a role in driving progress to embed a cross-sectoral approach through the development and implementation of a shared delivery plan for the strategy. The remit of the Implementation Group and the membership will be announced in early in 2019.
• A whole government approach to tackling loneliness and social isolation with collaboration across public, third and private sectors. This includes clear links to the Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework, as well as influencing a range of policies, strategies and upcoming legislation to improve their influence in tackling loneliness and social isolation.

The strategy was launched at Bridgend Farmhouse, a community owned and run charitable organisation in south Edinburgh. Bridgend Farmhouse aim to ensure their newly renovated farmhouse provides a sustainable community-owned centre for learning, eating and exercise, where all can learn, work and grow together to develop a flourishing community and place.

You can find the full strategy here

For further information please contact: Kiren.Zubairi@vhscotland.org.uk