Advocating for intergenerational practice and social connection in the Scottish elections

24th April 2026

In February 2026, we welcomed delegates from 49 organisations across Scotland to the fourth Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness. We explored inequalities in loneliness, examples of loneliness interventions in action and the importance of recognising social isolation and loneliness as a public health priority.

The February meeting was an opportunity to highlight the Manifesto for Social Connection, which the Forum developed to set out an ambitious 10-year vision for the next Scottish Government to consider:

We ask that the next Scottish Government declare loneliness and social isolation as an urgent public health priority and commit to bold action that makes Scotland a global leader in addressing the issue.

We must continue to take action, building on the seven years of experience since the first national strategy was published in 2018, and prevent loneliness and social isolation from worsening and the inequality gap from widening.

Failing to act will result in loneliness and isolation becoming more widespread, more unequal and more persistent in Scotland’s communities.

Read the full Manifesto for Social Connection

The February Forum also gave us a chance to hear from Corinna Bruce of Generations Working Together, who shared updates about their upcoming Global Intergenerational Congress and their manifesto for the 2026 Scottish elections. Their manifesto encourages the next Scottish Government to work towards a cohesive, inclusive and intergenerational Scotland, making the following asks:

• Invest in Intergenerational Knowledge, Quality, and Sustainability
• Build Intergenerational Approaches in Policy and Governance
• Embed Intergenerational Practices into Living, Learning and Workplace

Read the full Intergenerational Practice Manifesto

About the Forum

The Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness is co-facilitated by Befriending Networks and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. It aims to be a supportive space for those who wish to learn more about the issue, a time to connect with peers and support collective action on social connection and loneliness. You can explore reports and slides from past meetings in our Resources. To join us at the next Forum meeting, check out our upcoming events.