Ministerwarnsoverimpact of loneliness and isolation
Political Correspondent LONELINESS and social isolation can affect anyone and a wide ranging strategy is needed to tackle it, according to the minister responsible for social security.
Jeane Freeman visited a Men’s Group in Glasgow as she launched a Scottish Government consultation on tackling the problem.
She joined in a session on mindfulness with around half a dozen men at the Hidden Gardens at the Tramway in Pollokshields.
The consultation will look at the causes of social isolation and loneliness and how they can be addressed.
Ms Freeman said projects like the Men’s Group are crucial in helping people deal with loneliness.
She said: “A project like this is helping people find things within themselves and develop interests and they find they are not alone in that.”
Ms Freeman said there is no typical person or group that is affected by loneliness.
She said: “I’ve spoken with families and young mothers, particularly who stopped work to be at home raising children who miss the social contact.
“It affects young people, disabled people refugees building a home in country with a different language. It affects everyone at all stages of life. We can all do with help.”
The minister said she wanted communities to take the lead and help ensure people have the facilities and resources they need to deal with isolation.
The sessions at the Hidden gardens are attended by men of varying ages and in different circumstances.
One member, John, said he had been coming for wo years and it was now part of his routine
Stephen McGuire, of Men’s Health Network, which leads the men’s group sessions, said he can certainly see a difference over time in the men who take part.
He said: “The most important thing is men getting together and doing things.
“The more sessions like this that are on across the city the better. It is about getting out in the community with people.”