Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness (February 2027)

Free

About this event

Join the Forum on Wednesday 17 February for our first meeting of 2027 to connect, share, and discuss practice, policy and research linked to social isolation and loneliness in Scotland. In this session we will be joined by Simita Kumar MSP, Minister for Equalities and International Development and who has the strategic and policy responsibilities in the Scottish Government for loneliness and social isolation.

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

• 14:00 – 14:05 | Introduction and Welcome: Susan Hunter, Befriending Networks
• 14:05- 15:00 | Ministerial Engagement: Chaired discussion with Simita Kumar MSP, Minister for Equalities and International Development.
• 15:00 – 15:10 | Comfort Break
• 15:10 – 15:50 | Forum News and Discussions: Topics and speakers TBC.
• 15:50 – 16:00 | Closing Remarks: Paul Okroj, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
• An updated agenda will be published closer to the event date.

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 free. 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. 

80 tickets available