Hyslop Seeks Views for Loneliness Strategy
Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop is calling on constituents across West Lothian to contribute to the Scottish Government’s new consultation looking at the causes of social isolation and loneliness and how they can be addressed.
The consultation will run until 30 April and will thereafter feed into a new national strategy, one of the first in the world, to tackle loneliness and isolation. A national strategy to combat loneliness was a key ask of the Jo Cox Commission, which welcomed this announcement.
Fiona commented;
“Each and every one of us has a role to play in reducing loneliness in Scotland and so it’s important that voices from across West Lothian get involved in the Scottish Government’s consultation to help shape the new loneliness and isolation strategy.
“Dealing with loneliness and isolation can be incredibly difficult, and by reaching out to our neighbours or anyone we think may be at risk of becoming isolated or lonely – by taking them out, doing a good deed or simply having a chat – we can all have a hugely positive impact.
“The SNP Government will be the first country in the UK and one of the first in the world to develop a national strategy to address loneliness and isolation, but this strategy needs our communities and society to lead the way in ensuring those at risk of loneliness get the access they need to the right support networks. I would encourage as many of my constituents as possible in to have a say on this very important issue by contributing to the consultation.”
ENDS
Notes
The Scottish Government’s consultation will run until 30 April.