Tackling loneliness could address wider social issues says MSPs

MSPs are to tackle loneliness among people in Scotland in a bid to address wider social and health issues.

Holyrood's equal opportunities committee will look at the problem after research suggested more people have nobody to turn to in a crisis.

It has asked for evidece to be given from across Scottish society - including the voluntary sector.

MSPs will report back in the summer with recommendations to tackle the problem.

If you are an older or younger person living in Scotland and experiencing loneliness, the effects can be devastating

Feelings of isolation affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and have been linked to mental health issues and physical problems such as smoking, obesity and premature death.

Research has shown that loneliness can double the impact of obesity and can increase an older person’s chances of premature death by 14%

It is estimated that lacking social connections can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day

Margaret McCulloch MSP, convener of the Equal Opportunities Committee, said: “If you are an older or younger person living in Scotland and experiencing loneliness, we understand that the effects can be devastating. We want to engage with you, understand your views and encourage positive action on your behalf.

“Crucially, we want to encourage best practice on combatting the effects of loneliness to be shared as widely as possible. We are keen to hear from organisations using innovative ways to help lonely people in Scotland access the kind of social opportunities many of us take for granted.”

Bunty Dickson, 84 from Motherwell, who felt isolated after the death of her husband, said: “My husband Alec and I would have celebrated our sixtieth anniversary this year. We were always together. After he was diagnosed with dementia I cared for him for six years and it could be hard. But I just felt lost after he was gone. The loneliness was terrible.

“My doctor put me in touch with Luke, a Locality Link Officer at North Lanarkshire Council. He suggested meeting a local group of people my own age.

“One day a lady came to the group who turned out to be an old friend of mine. Alec had been a railwayman and so had her husband. It was lovely to catch up. I’ve been going to the groups twice a week for a year now.”

The deadline for submitting evidence to the committee is Friday, 13 March.