Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness (February)

Free

About this event

The Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness was launched in 2025.  Join the Forum on Wednesday 25 February for our first meeting of 2026 to connect, share, and discuss practice, policy and research linked to social isolation and loneliness in Scotland. This session will have a specific focus on inequalities in loneliness and those groups most at risk. It will inform the third sector representation on the Scottish Government’s Ministerial Social Isolation and Loneliness Advisory Group (SIALAG). The event will be a mix of discussion, breakout rooms, and presentations.

Who is this event for?

This event is for anyone working or volunteering in Scotland with interventions or activities which aim to reduce isolation and loneliness, or those working to support those impacted by isolation and loneliness. Individuals and organisations who want to learn and connect together, share experiences, gain insight and knowledge and demonstrate commitment to addressing SIAL in Scotland. This forum is intended to connect the community, voluntary and third sector with the Scottish Government. Organisations in Scotland who are working locally, regionally or nationally are welcome to attend.

Programme

• 14:30 – 15:00 | Introductions, updates and networking: Susan Hunter, Befriending Networks and Karen Mechan, Scottish Government
• 15:00 – 15:25 | Keynote presentation and Q&A: Inequalities in Loneliness – Tressa Burke, Glasgow Disability Alliance
• 15:25 – 15:30 | Comfort Break
• 15:30 – 15:40 | Practice Presentation: Maryhill Integration Network
• 15:40 – 16:10 | Discussion Groups: reflection on forum presentations and plenary
• 16:10 – 16:20 | Presentation: Global Intergenerational Week and Congress, Generations Working Together
• View the detailed Agenda for the Forum

Pre-event reading

Here is some suggested pre-event reading:

• World Health Organisation: Commission Report on Social Connection
• Social isolation and loneliness: Recovering our Connections 2023 to 2026
• Social Isolation and Loneliness Forum Reports
• Manifesto for Social Connection in Scotland

Questions?

The Forum is co-chaired by Befriending Networks and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. Please get in touch with the event facilitator, susan@befriending.co.uk

Event Facilitator

This event is facilitated by

Susan

Chief Executive

Cancellation Policy: This event is a free event. We understand that circumstances can change. If you book to attend this event but can no longer attend, please inform the facilitator so that we can open your space to another attendee.

Accessibility: All Zoom events have live closed captions available. Please notify our Learning and Development Manager, victoria@befriending.co.uk, if you have accessibility requirements to help us be inclusive of your needs. 

4 tickets available