Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 6 December 2017
To ask the Scottish Government what support is being given to vulnerable people experiencing loneliness.
The Scottish Government recognises that many different groups experience loneliness and social isolation, and that the most vulnerable in society are often more likely to be affected. The national strategy to tackle social isolation & loneliness which we will publish for consultation in the new year will look to provide for a more comprehensive, community level approach to this issue.
The Scottish Government offers a range of support to vulnerable groups, with our £500,000 social isolation and loneliness fund helping 36 local organisations tackle social isolation and loneliness within their communities. We continue to support the work of the Men’s Sheds Association and the Age Scotland helpline, and the First Minister has given her support to the 1 million minutes campaign which seeks to encourage people to volunteer a small amount of their time over the festive period to help someone who is feeling lonely.