It will discuss practice, policy and research

Organisations across the third sector are being asked to sign up to a new forum tackling isolation and loneliness. 

The Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness is run by the Action Group on Isolation and Loneliness (AGIL).

This forum will meet online three times each year to connect, share, and discuss practice, policy and research linked to social isolation and loneliness in Scotland. 

The first event takes place on 13February 2025 between 10:00-12:00 and can be booked here. 

It will inform the third sector representation on the Scottish government’s ministerial social isolation and ;oneliness advisory group (SIALAG). The event will be a mix of discussion, breakout rooms, and presentations. 

The forum is open to anyone working or volunteering in Scotland with interventions or activities which aim to reduce isolation and loneliness, or those working to support those impacted by isolation and loneliness.  

It aims to advance the Scottish government's Connected Scotland strategy through it’s recovering our connections plan. 

The Action Group on Isolation and Loneliness (AGIL) is co-chaired by Susan Hunter, CEO of Befriending Networks and Paul Okroj, director of external engagement and service delivery at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. 

Okroj said: “The aim of this new forum is to bring together individuals and organisations who are committed to tackling isolation and loneliness in Scotland. 

“By bringing together people from community, voluntary and third sector with the Scottish Government we aim to address key issues by championing innovative approaches and sharing insight and expertise.”