The Sunday Post’s Big Braw Community campaign to tackle loneliness and isolation was raised in the Scottish Parliament this week.
Our initiative comes as the World Health Organisation warns we face a public health crisis as a result of loneliness.
The condition increases the risk of dementia by 50%, and the risk of strokes and heart problems by 30%.
Speaking in the main debating chamber at Holyrood this week, Conservative MSP Russell Findlay raised the campaign, noting Oor Wullie’s support and urging politicians of all parties to help create a Big Braw Community.
Has Oor Wullie turned over a new leaf for our Big Braw Community campaign?
“The Sunday Post and Age Scotland have launched the Big Braw Community, which will campaign to reduce isolation and loneliness in older people,” he said.
“The campaign is being backed by none other than Oor Wullie.
“Scotland’s naughtiest schoolboy is breaking the habit of a lifetime by helping old people.
“Does the Scottish Government join Oor Wullie in supporting this excellent Sunday Post campaign?”
Replying for the Scottish Government, the Minister for Equalities, Emma Roddick, said: “We did discuss the Big Braw Community campaign at the latest meeting of the social isolation and loneliness action group.”
She added: “We very much welcome the support for the efforts to tackle social isolation and loneliness and look forward to working with everybody involved to ensure we are all working on the same page.”
A quarter of a million Scots can go for two weeks or more without speaking to another person.
Meanwhile, more than 100,000 older Scots have reported feeling lonely all the time.
Sunday Post editor Dave Lord said: “We are determined to help make a difference.
“Support from politicians and, indeed, Oor Wullie is hugely welcome.”
Five ways you can help create a Big Braw Community
- Call a relative or friend who is on their own for a chat.
- Check on a neighbour who lives on their own and spend a few moments to find out how they are.
- If you are going for a pint of milk, a loaf of bread or a newspaper, offer to get one for your neighbour.
- Share a cup of tea or coffee with someone who lives on their own – you might be the only other person they speak to in two weeks or more.
- If a couple of days pass by and you haven’t seen a neighbour who lives on their own, check and make sure they are okay.
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