The Scottish government has announced £3.2 million to be shared across more than 50 projects tackling social isolation and loneliness.

The Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund will be dispensed to organisations such as community choirs, walking football, Men’s Sheds and volunteering opportunities.

On a visit to Inverness Foodstuff, one of the successful projects, equalities minister Emma Roddick said:

“Social isolation and loneliness can affect anyone, but especially those most affected by the cost of living crisis such as disabled people, younger people, and those who live alone.

“The Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund is providing support to a range of projects across Scotland which deliver vital services in their communities. Inverness Foodstuff is a great example of how this Scottish Government funding will help to bring more people together, creating stronger social connections and improving public health.

“We are determined to tackle the harm caused by this hidden problem and this Fund is just one of the actions we are taking to help tackle social isolation and loneliness through our plan, Recovering our Connections.”

Image by Sabine van Erp from Pixabay