The Scottish Government has launched a new fund to support community groups bringing people and communities together to tackle isolation.
The £3.8 million Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund is part of a new plan, Recovering our Connections, that aims to reduce inequality by bringing people from communities across Scotland together.
Equalities and Older People’s Minister Christina McKelvie said: “As our society changes, there is increasing recognition of social isolation and loneliness as major public health issues that can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and mental wellbeing.
“The new Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund will provide vital, longer-term support for organisations and projects working on the ground to bring people together and build connections in communities throughout the country.
“Everyone can play a part in tackling these challenges, and our new plan reaffirms our commitment to building a connected Scotland for everyone.”
Community Groups who are interested in applying for their fund can express their interest in the fun before the end of the month, with successful applicants being invited to a second stage which closes on the 28th of April, with a decision of which projects will be funded coming between the 5th and 7th of July, with the funding period for the project being between the 1st of August and the 31st of July 2026.
Chief Executive Officer of Generations Working Together Alison Clyde added: “We are absolutely thrilled that the new Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund is being launched today at our annual conference.
“We are confident that this fund will generate new opportunities to tackle social isolation and loneliness in all ages, and we are excited by its potential to support innovative and impactful intergenerational projects across Scotland.”
More information on the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund, including all the forms need to apply can be found at https://impactfundingpartners.com/current-funding/social-isolation-and-loneliness-fund-2023-2026/
The Recovering Our Connections (2023) paper can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/recovering-connections-2023-2026/