1. The lived experience of loneliness and social isolation in Scotland

2. Voluntary Health Scotland
Who we are
Voluntary Health Scotland
The national network and intermediary for voluntary health organisations in Scotland

3. 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

4. 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”

5. How does loneliness and social isolation affect people?

6. “Isolation and loneliness is a threat to your life” Research Participant

7. What causes loneliness and social isolation?

8. “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

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

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

11. “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

12. Scottish Government Strategy

13. Thank you We welcome new members from all sectors – join us now.
Voluntary Health Scotland, Mansfield Traquair Centre
15 Mansfield Place Edinburgh EH3 6BB t

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