New strategy is a good starting point

Recent reports of a “loneliness epidemic” have sparked action from the Scottish Government. It is a welcome intervention. Far too many people, many of them elderly, are suffering and action to address the issue is overdue.

This newspaper has actively encouraged people to interact with vulnerable neighbours with our community kindness campaign, and the thrust of the new national loneliness strategy touches on many of the same topics.

Strangers are being urged to carry out “acts of kindness” for each other, with people also being encouraged to reconnect with old friends.

On a more tangible note, a raft of new community initiatives will be considered.

There is also funding for a number of bodies, including the mental health charity PLUS in Perth and Kinross.

Meanwhile, planners could be obliged to give more consideration to community spaces when proposing developments.

For many, modern life is conducted at a furious pace, with little time for reflection. However, others are being left behind — and community cohesion is at risk.

The new strategy does not have all the answers but at least it is a starting point.

Raising awareness of the issues surrounding loneliness is half the battle and it is to be hoped the new proposals will at the very least achieve that.