In preparation for our response to A Connected Scotland, VHS conducted primary research into the loneliness and social isolation experienced by under-represented demographics in Scotland who often face multiple triggers of loneliness and social isolation.

In March 2018, Voluntary Health Scotland spoke to BME women, people living or working in an area of socio-economic deprivation, people receiving palliative care and carers as well as people living or working in rural settings through 5 focus groups and 6 interviews speaking to a total of 57 people. We spoke to service users as well as service providers to try and understand people’s experiences of loneliness and social isolation and what they feel the Scottish Government’s, organisations’ and society’s role should be in tackling the issues.

In this response we quote extensively from research participants in order to present their lived experience.

You can read the full response here: Voluntary Health Scotland response to A Connected Scotland