The lived experience of loneliness and social isolation in Scotland Twitter:@VHSComms

Voluntary Health Scotland Who we are Voluntary Health Scotland The national network and intermediary for voluntary health organisations in Scotland Twitter:@VHSComms

Methodology Conducted 5 focus groups and 6 interviews speaking to a total of 57 people. Spoke to BAME women, people living in a socio-economically deprived area, people living or working in rural areas and paid and unpaid carers of people receiving palliative care Twitter:@VHSComms

what is loneliness and social isolation? Loneliness: “is a subjective feeling associated with someone’s perception that their relationships with others are deficient” Isolation: “as a more objective measure of the absence of relationships, ties or social contact with others”

How does loneliness and social isolation affect people?

“Isolation and loneliness is a threat to your life” Research Participant Twitter:@VHSComms

What causes loneliness and social isolation?

“Low income and inequality need to be tackled “Low income and inequality need to be tackled. It is an underlying cause of a great many social problems – food poverty, fuel poverty, poor housing – when you cannot even afford your basic needs how will you meet your social needs?” Research Participant Twitter:@VHSComms

So what can be done to tackle loneliness and social isolation?

The development of places and spaces without agenda’s Development of reciprocal activities Community development as a prerequisite to community empowerment

“The Government need to start thinking 20 years down the line – what changes do we implement today to improve things for the future? Research Participant Twitter:@VHSComms

Scottish Government Strategy

Thank you We welcome new members from all sectors – join us now. www.vhscotland.org.uk/get-involved Voluntary Health Scotland, Mansfield Traquair Centre 15 Mansfield Place Edinburgh EH3 6BB t.0131 474 6189 mail@vhscotland.org.uk www.vhscotland.org.uk Twitter: @VHSComms

Please contact: Kiren.Zubairi@vhscotland.org.uk Further information Twitter:@VHSComms