The Scottish Government has announced the launch of new support for community groups as they look to tackle social isolation, through a new fund to ‘build a connected Scotland’.
With an ambition to bring communities together, the government is funding support for community groups. The Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund is made up of £3.8 million of government investment as it embarks on a new plan to reduce inequality to bring people together.
Christina McKelvie, Equalities and Older People’s Minister, said:
“As our society changes, there is increasing recognition of social isolation and loneliness as major public health issues that can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and mental wellbeing.
“The new Social Isolation and Loneliness Fud will provide vital, longer-term support for organisations and projects working on the ground to bring people together and build connections in communities throughout the country.
“Everyone can play a part in tackling these challenges, and our new plan reaffirms our commitment to building a connected Scotland”
Chief Executive Officer of Generations Working Together, Alisson Clyde, added:
“We are absolutely thrilled that the new Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund is being launched today at our annual conference.
“We are confident that this fund will generate new opportunities to tackle social isolation and loneliness in all ages, and we are excited by its potential to support innovative and impactful intergenerational projects across Scotland.”
Funding will run until July 2026, with expressions of interest in applying for the fund remaining open until the March of the same year.
