Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness (16 June 2026)

Free

About this event

The Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness was launched in 2025.  Join the Forum on Tuesday 16 June for our second meeting of 2026. Taking place during Loneliness Awareness Week, this is a time to connect, share, and discuss practice, policy and research linked to social isolation and loneliness in Scotland. This session will take a post-election look at the political landscape and conditions for action on social isolation and loneliness in Scotland. The event will include a panel 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 work locally, regionally, or nationally are welcome to attend.

Programme

• 13:00 – 13:10| Introductions and updates
• 13:10 – 14:00 | Keynote Panel Discussion with Forum Q&A: how should the Forum engage the new Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament on addressing social isolation and loneliness over the next 5 years?
• 14:00 – 14:10| Comfort Break
• 14:10 – 14:30|  Presentation: Loneliness Awareness Week – Research (Marmalade Trust)
• 14:30 – 14:50 | Discussion Groups: reflection on forum presentations and identifying actions
• 14:50- 14:55 | Member Input: COPE Scotland
• 14:55 – 15:00 |Closing Remarks
• Download the detailed Forum agenda.

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. 

25 tickets available