The Sunday Post and our Big Braw Community partner Age Scotland are calling on First Minister John Swinney to commit funds to help end loneliness before the next Scottish Budget.
Loneliness is a secret, silent killer.
Medical experts across the world say loneliness significantly increases the risk of dementia, heart attacks and strokes by up to 30%.
While we are all looking forward to the coming festive season, for a quarter of a million Scots, this will be the loneliest time of the year.
Many will be enjoying the company of the friends and family, over 100,000 Scots will not see a single person this Christmas.
Loneliness campaign
Sunday Post editor Dave Lord said: “Those stark statistics are exactly why we launched Big Braw Community campaign last year.
“We know our big-hearted readers share our aim of eradicating loneliness by 2030.
“Lots of them are already being a part of Big Braw Community by checking on family and neighbours who they know are on their own, and we will be encouraging everyone to do their bit too.
“But we are looking for a commitment from the government too, to make good the promises they made in their manifesto to spend £10 million on eradicating loneliness during the five years they are in charge. So far, they have only spent half that amount. And they failed to keep all their promises too.
“We know money is tight, but we cannot afford to ignore the overwhelming public health crisis that will engulf us if we fail to tackle loneliness. We don’t think we are asking too much by calling on the First Minister to commit to tackling loneliness and keep the promises made.
“If the government considers the effect loneliness has and puts that at the heart of every policy, we can avert the public health crisis and make Scotland the best and happiest place in the world to live.”
Political backing
Every opposition party leader is backing our call to the First Minister today.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “Big Braw Community has already made a positive impact on the lives of so many people.
“I’m proud to continue to support its vital work in both highlighting and tackling the desperate, and sometimes deadly, curse of loneliness and isolation.
“In our busy lives, and with the festive season fast approaching, it is often easy to forget that so many people have little or no regular social contact.
“I commend The Sunday Post and Age Scotland for drawing attention to this growing problem and urge everyone to take a moment to think about what they might be do to help someone in their own community.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said “This important campaign shines a light on the growing public health crisis of loneliness in Scotland.
“Loneliness is a source of huge suffering for individuals and piles pressure on our over-stretched healthcare system.
“People across Scotland are paying the price for the SNP’s failure to address this issue. The First Minister must step up and set out what the Scottish Government will do to strengthen communities and tackle loneliness.”
© MIKE WILKINSONScottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “Loneliness can have a particularly harmful impact on the lives of our older people, one that ranges from social isolation to increased risks of illnesses like dementia.
“That’s why I want to see the Scottish Government renewing their commitment to ending loneliness and bringing people together. Scottish Lib Dems have long championed the need to protect existing community groups and to invest in activities that work for older people. Ministers should be doing everything they can to protect these lifelines.”
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “Each winter, we become more aware of the impacts loneliness has on the elderly in our society. But this epidemic does not discriminate by age.
“Our younger citizens are also feeling isolated and alone more frequently.
“Crucial to reducing loneliness is building a society where people can feel a real, tangible sense of community and human connection.
“Social isolation harms the mental and physical health of many people each year; together we can ease the challenges loneliness brings, and give people in Scotland opportunities for unity.
“Loneliness and social isolation are the symptoms of a divided and unequal society. They can’t be separated from our politics and from the cuts and austerity that have done so much damage.
“If we are to introduce more hope then we need our governments to invest in support services that will make the difference. The Scottish Government can lead the way by honouring its pledge to commit £10m to build community and connection and tackle loneliness.”
Tackling loneliness
Big Braw Community partner Age Scotland believes together we can eradicate loneliness. Age Scotland policy director Adam Stachura said: “All it takes is a few moments to make a real difference to others, and it is something all of us can do.
“If you are running errands, check if those living on their own need anything too.
“Make a phone call and check on others you haven’t spoken to in a while.
“If you have a place at your Christmas table, or enough food to share a meal, why not reach out and do that this year.
“Bringing generations together brings such joy, so we hope teachers will join in by encouraging children in their classroom to send out cards to people their own this Christmas.
“Why not ask the school choir to share songs with their nearest care home?
“We have lots of opportunities coming up over the next few weeks so everyone can join in with Big Braw Community.”
Oor Big Braw Community Ambassador Gary Hollywood made sure Aberuthven pensioner David McKenzie enjoyed a filled day with him last Christmas instead of being on his own.
The Bafta-winner said: “I think I had more fun than David did, and that is the beauty of Big Braw Community. We can all do our own little bit to end loneliness and every one of us benefits.
“I know I will be doing more this year. What will you be doing to join in?”
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