Message of thanks from the Scottish Government Minister for Equalities and International Development

3rd November 2026

This Befriending Week, we are delighted to share this message from the Scottish Government Minister for Equalities and International Development, Simita Kumar MSP:

As we mark Befriending Week 2026, I wanted to share my sincerest thanks to Befriending Networks, your 96 member organisations covering the whole of Scotland, and the 21,000 volunteer befrienders across the network who make such a difference to people’s lives.

Social isolation and loneliness is a public health issue that can impact people at any stage and any age of life, and befriending plays a vital role in fostering meaningful connection to improve mental health and wellbeing. The Scottish Government recognises social isolation and loneliness as an issue of inequality – although it can affect anyone, the effects of social isolation, and experiences of loneliness, are not distributed equally across society, with disabled people, young people aged 16-24, and people on low incomes most at risk.

The breadth of experience and expertise of member organisations demonstrated through this network is key to support those most at risk and break down the stigma of loneliness so that people feel comfortable and supported to approach services and foster long-lasting connections. I want to acknowledge the fantastic work you do, which has been rightly recognised through the Quality in Befriending Award, with 20 Scottish befriending organisations being recipients of this award.

On behalf of the Scottish Government, thank you for everything you do. It is important that you take this week to reflect on your successes and the valuable contribution befriending makes to the people of Scotland.