Have your say and help older people

Gavin Newlands MP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s plan to tackle isolation and loneliness.

The draft plan, which will look at the causes of social isolation and loneliness and how they can be addressed, is open for consultation.

People are being urged to have their say on how communities can help and how to ensure those at risk of becoming lonely or isolated have access to the right support networks.

The SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:“Loneliness is said to affect around 100,000 older people in Scotland and the truth of the matter is that anyone, regardless of age, can experience a time when they’re isolated and have no one to talk to or interact with.

“We know there is a link between loneliness and poor physical and mental health and this can obviously have a negative impact on everyday life.

“Once fully published, Scotland will be the first country in the UK and one of the first in the world to develop a national strategy to address loneliness and isolation.

“The Scottish Government has a key role in leading on this, but communities themselves have a fundamental role in helping those who are at risk of being isolated.

“I would encourage everyone in the community to feed in to the consultation and help develop a strategy which will help tackle isolation and loneliness.”

To find out more and have your say on the consultation, go to consult.gov.scot/ equality-unit/ connected-scotland/