From Caithness to Cowal and from Inverness to the Western Isles, dozens of community organisations helping people stay connected are set to receive a funding boost aimed at tackling loneliness and social isolation across Scotland.
The Scottish Government has confirmed that funding for 52 organisations will be extended until March 2027, with £1.05 million being invested in projects that bring people together through meals, social activities, warm spaces, befriending services and community events.
The support comes at a time when many people continue to feel the effects of rising living costs, health challenges and social isolation, particularly older people, unpaid carers, disabled people and young parents.
Across the Highlands and Islands, several local organisations will benefit directly from the funding, helping to strengthen the community networks that often provide a vital lifeline in some of Scotland’s most rural and remote areas.
Among those receiving support are the Caithness Voluntary Group, which provides befriending services and a men’s group for older and disabled adults, Inverness Foodstuff, which hosts social lunches for homeless and vulnerable people, and Merkinch Partnership in Inverness, which is developing a support network led by people with lived experience of social isolation and loneliness.
The funding will also support the work of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association, which helps establish and support Men’s Sheds throughout the Highlands and Islands, creating places where people can meet, learn new skills and build friendships.
In Argyll, Cowal Elderly Befrienders will continue providing companionship and social activities for older people and those living with dementia, while the North Argyll Carers Centre will offer activities and support for unpaid carers of all ages.
Further north, Tagsa Uibhist in the Western Isles will continue delivering training, community walks and social events for older people affected by dementia, while Sanday Afternoon Club in Orkney will provide community meals, activities and outings for older residents.
The investment forms part of Scotland’s Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund, which was launched in August 2023 and will have invested more than £3.8 million by March 2027, supporting at least 20,000 people across the country.
The projects receiving support range from community lunches and coffee mornings to arts programmes, walking groups, choir sessions, digital inclusion projects and one to one befriending services.
Equalities Minister Simita Kumar marked the end of Loneliness Awareness Week by highlighting the importance of keeping people connected within their communities.
Ms Kumar said:
“Loneliness can affect anyone and the cost-of-living crisis has increased isolation for many, including young people, carers and disabled people.
“Our funding will allow organisations to extend their projects, keeping people connected during this challenging time.
“I thank the organisations who are providing this vital support to people across Scotland, ensuring that people feel warmth and connection in their communities and can access important support networks.”
For many communities across the Highlands and Islands, where geography and distance can often add to feelings of isolation, the funding will help ensure local groups can continue creating places where people can meet, talk, share experiences and feel part of something larger than themselves.
