SNP MSP Gillian Martin has today launched a campaign to tackle loneliness and isolation across Scotland this Christmas time – enlisting the help of the younger generation to look out for those around them.

The Aberdeenshire East MSP has created a Community Action Plan that encourages school aged children to complete ‘5 Acts of Christmas Kindness’ for their neighbours before term time resumes in January.

With the aim of inspiring younger residents to take simple, positive steps to look out for a neighbour in need during this challenging festive period, the Action Plan includes a list of small gestures that can make a huge difference to someone’s day.

The list of socially-distanced actions include: writing a Christmas note for your neighbour, drawing a Christmas themed picture for your neighbour, taking your neighbour’s bins out for them, sharing some of your Christmas sweets with a neighbour and dropping off a bag of essential groceries to a local foodbank.

Launching the campaign, the MSP and mum of two said:

“While we can’t go inside the homes of those outside our extended household, and must keep socially distanced from others, there’s plenty we can do in our local communities to tackle loneliness this Christmas.

“This festive period will be like no other, and while many of us will have the chance to spend some well-deserved time with our family or friends over the break, others in our communities will be alone.

“This campaign encourages our young people to play their part in looking out for the older generation this Christmas by completing 5 Acts of Kindness before returning to school in January.

“Whether it’s leaving a kind note for your neighbour, or donating goods to a local foodbank, there’s plenty that our children can do this festive break with the support of their parents and relatives.

“By working together in our communities, I know we can spread Christmas joy to every street and household in Scotland.”