Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has hosted a roundtable at the Scottish Parliament to bring communities, charities and organisations together to bring an end to the loneliness and isolation that is causing a public health and well-being crisis across the country.
Edinburgh is classed as one of the loneliest places to live in the UK. Changing Britain research found that 33 per cent of Edinburgh citizens do not feel that they are involved or feel part of the community.
The cost-of-living crisis is adding to the awful knock-on effects of loneliness and isolation particularly in older people, where it has been shown to increase the risks of dementia by 50%, and heart attacks and stroke by 30%.
The roundtable was attended by a range of charities who are leaders in the field of social isolation and measures to reduce it’s impact on individuals in communities across the country.
Also speaking was Dr Jane Morris, Head of the Royal College of Psychiatry, to talk on the effects on mental health. As well as Dr Morris, Police Scotland’s specialist on scammers and fraudsters who target the elderly and isolated, DCI Steven Trim, spoke at the roundtable.
Mr Briggs has previously called on SNP Ministers to provide great funding to tackle loneliness and social isolation in Scotland.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“I am pleased that we have had the opportunity to discuss measures to reduce loneliness and social isolation across Lothian and the rest of Scotland.
“From the roundtable it was clear that people are passionate about tackling loneliness in Scotland.
“Feeling lonely is a horrible feeling and I am optimistic that we can take forward actions that will prevent people in communities up and down the country from feeling lonely.
“This was a very productive roundtable and there is plenty of work to be getting on with to make people feel more connected across Scotland.”
Big Hearts Community Trust, the official charity of Heart of Midlothian FC, is taking part in Festive Friends
All 42 community trusts and SPFL clubs involved for the first time, as well as Cowdenbeath (43 in total)
Over 4,000 people across Scotland will be supported by Festive Friends this year
A record £133,000 has been committed to this year’s campaign
This year’s campaign will see the continuation of last year’s doorstep visits to people who are at risk of social isolation
While there will also be physical events across the country, including Christmas lunches and dinners at stadiums
Heart of Midlothian FC are bringing Christmas cheer to those that need it most this year by taking part in the biggest-ever Festive Friends programme during the holiday season.
Festive Friends is a brilliant opportunity for clubs to give back to their local communities.
The SPFL Trust programme is now in its seventh year and, for the first time, all 42 SPFL clubs are taking part in the campaign, including Heart of Midlothian FC through their official charity Big Hearts.
Cowdenbeath will also deliver Festive Friends after being granted a year’s grace following their relegation to the Lowland League.
The campaign has the largest-ever fund this year, a total of £133,000, which means the SPFL Trust will be able to support an extra 1,000 people via clubs and community trusts.
As such, the programme is expected to support over 4,000 people this year across Scotland.
It’s been a difficult year so far for everyone with the cost of living crisis, but, of course, winter is always a particularly tough time for the elderly, who are at higher risk of social isolation.
Festive Friends brings Christmas cheer and companionship to elderly people who are socially isolated and at risk of being alone during the festive season.
Almost 9,000 people have enjoyed Festive Friends in the last six years and that number is expected to reach nearly 15,000.
Hampers usually contain food, snacks, essential toiletries, gifts, games and more. Some clubs even send video messages from managers and players; others have players make personal deliveries.
This year, given the current crisis facing the country, the SPFL Trust has also organised for Age Scotland Friendship Line flyers to be distributed in each hamper featuring helpful information.
This year Big Hearts Community Trust staff and volunteers welcomed over 100 older people to Tynecastle, where they get to enjoy a hot Christmas lunch and receive a festive food hamper to take home.
SPFL Trust CEO Nicky Reid said:“Festive Friends is one of our biggest events at the SPFL Trust and for our colleagues at clubs and community trusts.
“It’s all about coming together to have a real impact in the lives of elderly and isolated people over the festive period – reaching more people than ever this year.
“It’s the Christmas spirit in action as we see the power of football in spades – with clubs spreading cheer in their communities.
“Scottish football is trusted to support, and our recent research shows that almost 83% of people live within ten miles of a SPFL ground – because of this clubs and their associated community trusts are well positioned to effect this type of change in their communities.
“This year 43 SPFL clubs are involved making it our biggest programme yet, supported by a record-breaking fund of £133,000. We look forward to supporting more elderly people than ever before, after all kindness never mattered more.”
Big Hearts Operations Manager Innes Shirreff said:“Big Hearts are delighted to have the support of the SPFL Trust’s Festive Friends programme again this year, which will help us to provide two social gatherings for older people at Tynecastle Park.
“Across the 12th and 13th December, we welcomed over 100 individuals and provided a three-course lunch, as well as gifts and entertainment. These lunches form a key part of our winter engagement for older people and provide an enjoyable afternoon out, in a warm and welcoming environment.
“We are proud to be part of the wider community of football clubs, trusts and foundations across Scotland working to ensure vital support is provided to those who need it during the festive season.”
Big Hearts’ Festive Friends participant Henry Craig, who is 70 years old said: “Today has been outstanding, the food was excellent, the atmosphere, the friendliness of the staff, the former Hearts players in the room – everyone had a great time. Well done to the people at Big Hearts for organising.
“I’m a Hearts’ supporter and a season ticket holder and I’ve been involved with the charity for almost a year. I love the companionship I get when I come to the stadium. The opportunity to get together for a festive meal was amazing, thank you.”
Lisa Maynard from Care Inspectorate’s improvement team shares a great new initiative that is being rolled out in Fife to combat loneliness among people living in care homes:
During the pandemic Carol Hands, Care Home Liaison Nurse, reflected on how isolated people were feeling so she began a pen pal service called Letters of Friendship, Loneliness is not an option.
The poster has been distributed to care homes across the region and the team of care home liaison nurses to promote it when they are out on their visits or during their support calls.
There has already been a good interest in the scheme with around 50 residents starting to write letters. This communication tool can not only stimulate new conversations with new people but tackle loneliness and improve mental health.
If you would like to find out more about this initiative or share any initiatives of your own with us please contact Lisa Maynard, Interim Senior Improvement Adviser: Lisa.Maynard@careinspectorate.gov.scot
Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure will be running a weekly club, supporting older adults to stay active, connected within their local community, and build amazing friendships through their common love of sport.
Starting on Tuesday, 16th August 2022, the weekly, free drop-in sessions will take place every Tuesday, from 10.30am to 12.00 at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. The sessions are the perfect forum to reminisce about local sporting heroes, share stories about past playing days and show off your knowledge over a quiz or fun game. Everyone is welcome and a cuppa will be available too.
Donna Mackey, Partnership Manager, SMFS, “We are really excited to launch our newest Sporting Memories partnership at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, a venue at the real heart of Edinburgh’s sporting heritage.
“We believe there are lots of older adults in the area who have a passion for talking about sport and who will benefit from attending a weekly group with like-minded people. The clubs are a great opportunity to build new friendships and become more active by taking part in some of our indoor games. We can’t wait to get started.”
Sam Scott, Health Development Officer (Dementia) at Edinburgh Leisure said: “These sessions were originally due to start in April 2020 but for obvious reasons, they had to be put on hold.
“However, Edinburgh Leisure’s partnership with Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland makes perfect sense, as does hosting these clubs at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, a building steeped in its own sporting history. These clubs will support the work we are already doing working with people living with dementia through our Movement for Memories programme.
“Using the rich history and heritage of sport, the Sporting Memories clubs are open to older adults who enjoy reminiscing about their experiences of watching or playing it. We just want anyone, with a love of sport, to come along and refreshments are provided.”
The clubs are run by trained by Sporting Memories volunteers who use a wide range of Sporting Memories reminiscence resources developed specifically to help prompt conversation and discussion. There is always great fun and laughter, friendships are forged, and some remarkable sporting stories often emerge.
Sporting Memories has developed an innovative and engaging approach to tackling the challenges of our ageing society. Their work focuses on: reducing loneliness and isolation; getting older people physically active; and helping people to live well with dementia.
Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team launched Movement for Memories in September 2018. This programme supports people living with dementia and their carers to become or remain physically active in Edinburgh.
This work is supported with funding from the Life Changes Trust. The Trust is funded by the Big Lottery.
New poll shows a quarter of Scots say Covid-19 pandemic has left them feeling more isolated than ever
Parliamentarians across parties are calling on governments to put connecting communities at the heart of Covid recovery – as a new British Red Cross poll shows a quarter (23%) of Scots say the pandemic has left them feeling more isolated than they ever have before.
28% say that feelings of loneliness are still affecting them even though Covid-19 restrictions have eased, in comparison to earlier in the year.
As many people continue to struggle with loneliness two years into the Covid-19 crisis, politicians and Civil Society Organisations want governments across the UK to reaffirm their commitment to tackling loneliness – and to improve and invest in community and social infrastructure needed to connect people. This includes public transport and shared public spaces, such as parks.
Calling for a cross-UK Government agenda to ‘loneliness-proof’ communities, parliamentarians have relaunched the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tackling Loneliness and Connected Communities, to keep these issues high on the political agenda.
Former Government Loneliness Minister and Conservative MP Tracey Crouch, and Labour MP Kim Leadbeater will be co-chairs, and the group will be supported by a new partnership of the British Red Cross, the Campaign to End Loneliness, and the Astra Foundation.
These parliamentarians are looking to build on the great work already done across the political spectrum, civil society, and people and communities themselves, to help raise awareness of loneliness – and tackle its root causes – at a time when a new Opinium poll for the British Red Cross shows that in Scotland:
A quarter (23%) of Scots say that the pandemic has left them feeling more isolated than they ever have before.
Around three in ten (28%) say that feelings of loneliness are still affecting them even though Covid-19 restrictions have eased, and a fifth (20%) are more worried about their feelings of loneliness now than they were before the pandemic.
More than two in five Scots (45%) say they are worried that with Covid-19 cases increasing in the UK, they will need to reduce their interactions with others again.
A third (33%) of Scots think that the pandemic has had a lasting impact on their relationships and social connections, while a quarter (24%) admit that they have found it difficult to reconnect with friends and family since lockdown restrictions lifted.
More positively, the latest research does show that 28% of people across Scotland feel more connected to their local community now than they did before the pandemic, with a third (33%) saying that the pandemic has brought out the best in their community.
Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, became the UK’s – and the world’s – first ever Loneliness Minister in 2017 and has continued to champion efforts to better connect people since.
Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, has long worked to tackle loneliness and bring people together, and continues to build on the work of her late sister, Jo Cox, who was a pioneer in putting loneliness and social isolation on the political agenda.
Tracey Crouch MP said: “When I was appointed Loneliness Minister in 2017, I got to understand the scale of the challenge and, through my work with local government, health professionals, charities, and community groups, we were able to identify the best ways of helping people who are lonely to reconnect with their local community.
“Since then, we’ve made real strides in tackling stigma, encouraging people to talk about their feelings, and in bringing in practical measures like social prescribing which sees people take part in activities or groups to improve their health.
“Now we need to go further and address some of the underlying factors that prevent people from connecting with others, especially in terms of investment in key infrastructure and assets in local communities.”
Kim Leadbeater MP said: “As we look to recover from this pandemic, we have to recognise the impact Covid-19 has had on some of the most vulnerable people in society, especially those who have been isolated for long periods of time.
“I know from my efforts to tackle loneliness and bring people and communities closer together, that loneliness was a real problem before Covid-19 and, for some, it will be an even greater challenge now.
“It’s crucial we improve things where we live and that means good transport links, clean and safe public areas, recreational spaces like parks and gardens – things we take for granted but are the glue that binds our communities together.”
British Red Cross Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Scotland Kenneth Watt said: “Our latest research shows just how much more work needs to be done if we are to achieve a connected recovery from Covid-19, one that builds people’s confidence, brings our communities together, and puts a strong focus on those most impacted by the pandemic.
“We’re delighted to be supporting this push to encourage leadership and action on tackling loneliness, from all levels of government through to local communities up and down the country.
“Together, we need to build on the good work that has been done by government and communities themselves during the pandemic because loneliness is not a new or short-term problem and will continue to hold people back beyond this crisis.”
Robin Hewings, Programme Director at the Campaign to End Loneliness, said: “We are pleased the Campaign to End Loneliness is partnering with British Red Cross to provide secretariat to the APPG on Tackling Loneliness & Connected Communities.
“Research has shown the pandemic has left many more people feeling more isolated than ever. It helps us open up the conversation some more that loneliness is going to be a serious issue beyond Covid-19.
“And that so much more needs to be done to address the issue at scale and build upon the great work that has been done so far to bring communities together in helping them all to build back better.”
If you are experiencing loneliness, please know that you are not alone. If you would like some help, the British Red Cross support line operates from 10am to 6pm seven days a week on 0808 196 3651.
Over 3,000 people will be supported by Festive Friends this year
A record £100,000 has been committed to this year’s campaign
More community trusts and SPFL clubs than ever involved (41)
This year’s campaign will see the continuation of last year’s doorstep visits to people who are at risk of social isolation
Some clubs will host festive events again for the first time since last year
SPFL clubs and associated community trusts (ATCs) across Scotland are bringing Christmas cheer to those that need it most this year by taking part in the biggest ever Festive Friends programme during the holiday season.
Festive Friends is a brilliant opportunity for clubs to give back to their local communities.
The programme is now in its sixth year, with 41 SPFL clubs taking part in the campaign this year.
The campaign has the largest fund ever this year, a total of £100,000, which means the SPFL Trust will be able to more than DOUBLE the number of people clubs are able to support.
As such, the programme is expected to support over 3,000 people this year.
It’s been a tough few years for everyone due to Covid-19, but of course it has been especially difficult for the elderly who are at higher risk of social isolation.
Festive Friends brings Christmas cheer and companionship to elderly people who are socially isolated and at risk of being alone during the festive season.
Almost 4,000 people have enjoyed an event in the last five years and last year’s new-look initiative, when it was not possible to hold events due to physical distancing rules, was also a huge success with over 2,800 people receiving Christmas hampers in doorstep visits.
Hampers contained food, snacks, essential toiletries, gifts, games and more. Some clubs even brought video messages from managers and players; others had players make personal deliveries.
This year club staff and volunteers will continue to visit participants with hampers, or welcome them to their ground to enjoy a hot Christmas lunch, fun and games, a club gift, and transport there and home.
Tommy (84), who lives in rural Perthshire, received a Christmas hamper from St Johnstone Community Trust ‘Saints in the Community’ last year.
Tommy self isolated during the first national lockdown in Spring 2020. The lack of social interaction and the loss of his beloved football had taken its toll on him physically and mentally.
He was thrilled to receive a hamper which was packed with festive goodies, a memory lane activity book, and a bonus video message from first-team player Stevie May.
Tommy said: “The gift box was full of lovely stuff. I like when Saints come to visit and we can have a chat about the games. I don’t always remember all the scores, but Danny [former St Johnstone FC player Danny Griffin] keeps me right.
“The wee activity book took me back, it’s no substitute for talking to others about the game, but it brought back nice times.”
https://youtu.be/9sK5CbHVALU
SPFL Trust CEO, Nicky Reid, said: “Festive Friends is a real highlight of the year for me and my colleagues at SPFL clubs. It’s all about good old fashioned Christmas spirit – bringing club staff and volunteers together to reach elderly people who are at risk of social isolation.
“Scottish football is trusted to support, and our recent research shows that almost 83% of people live within ten miles of a SPFL ground – because of this clubs and their associated community trusts are well positioned to effect this type of change in their communities.
“This year 41 SPFL clubs are involved making it our biggest programme yet, supported by a record breaking fund of £100,000. We look forward to supporting more elderly people than ever before, after all kindness never mattered more.”
I learned this morning of the deaths of two local people who were discovered at home by their neighbours last week. Both were older, and both lived alone.
Voluntary organisations have been doing a sterling job during the pandemic, maintaining contact with some of the most vulnerable members of the community and making sure they have food and other essentials and are able to stay warm.
Community organisations can only reach out to those people they know about, however; their members or client group. There may be many more vulnerable people out there who are not active in local groups, some of whom have no family support. Suffering quietly. Alone.
What can we do to help?
AGE CONCERN offers the following advice:
Saying hello seems like such a small thing. But 1.9 million older people often feel ignored or invisible. A smile and a wave could make a huge difference to those people.
We all feel awkward sometimes, so it’s totally understandable that you might not want to stop and have a conversation. Never underestimate the power of a quick ‘good morning’ though.
How else can I support an older neighbour?
It’s easy to forget that older people sometimes just want someone to pass the time of day with.
Even a small act can make a big difference. Knock on your neighbour’s door and ask them if they need anything. You could:
invite them round for a cup of tea and a slice of cake
drive them to a medical appointment
pick up some shopping for them
ask if they have anything that needs taking to the tip
offer to sweep up leaves or salt an icy front step
offer a mince pie and mulled wine at Christmas.
A word of caution
Do make sure you’ve introduced yourself properly first, telling them who you are and where you live.
Not everyone wants to be friendly with their neighbours, so try to judge the mood when you first approach them.
Once you’ve got that good rapport with your neighbour, it’ll be much easier to do something nice for them.
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT HELPLINE
The Scottish Government has set up a helpline for vulnerable or isolated people who do not have family or community support but need assistance.
If you, or someone you know, needs help call the Scottish Government helpline on 0800 111 4000. The helpline is open from 9am-5pm.
LOCAL COMMUNITY HELPLINE
A coalition of North Edinburgh voluntary sector organisations has set up a community helpline for local people.
Advice and support is available on 0131 356 0220 from 9 – 4pm Monday – Thursday and from 9 – 3pm on Fridays.
o Calls to abuse charities have hit unprecedented highs throughout 2020 lockdowns
o Safer ageing charity, Hourglass revealed earlier this week that 1 in 5 over-65s in UK have experienced abuse, with almost 2.7 million victims thought to be affected across the country
o UK’s only safer ageing charity looks to provide 24/7 helpline access as it sends open letter to the Home Secretary calling for support in ensuring that the abuse of older people is taken as seriously as other forms of abuse
With calls to abuse charities hitting record highs during the 2020 lockdowns, the UK’s only charity focused on the abuse of older people is taking steps to secure round the clock support for those in need.
Hourglass, formerly Action on Elder Abuse, has launched a bid to help make its vital helpline available 24/7 after earlier this week revealing polling data showing that 1 in 5 (22 percent) people either had personal experience of abuse as an older person (aged 65+) or knew an older person who had been abused. It found that well over half (53%) of people in the UK felt that the abuse and neglect of older people had increased as a result of lockdown, highlighting the real need for ongoing targeted support.
Launching Safer Ageing Week on Monday (30 November), Hourglass announced a raft of new measures and ways in which the public can access its support.
The charity, founded in 1993 by Baroness Sally Greengross, has long relied on a helpline staffed by volunteers and employees, and the charity is now calling for financial support to make this provision open all hours.
Until 2020, the charity received no government or statutory support and relied exclusively on donations. Calls to the charity’s helpline have increased dramatically throughout this year’s lockdowns (up 110% between 23 March 2020 – 31 Aug 2020 compared to 1 December 2019 – 22 March 2020).
The charity, which has operations across England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, received some emergency funding in response to the pandemic and has invested heavily in new services to deal with the complexity of demand.
Hourglass deputy CEO and Policy Director, Veronica Gray, said: “We have seen abuse charities across the UK and Ireland report calls spiking during the pandemic.
“Likewise, we have seen call attempts during our closed hours steadily grow and we need support now to ensure this is the final winter without a 24/7 elder abuse helpline.”
Chair of Trustees for Hourglass, Caroline Cox, added: “Hourglass has launched Safer Ageing Week to ensure people are mindful of the rights of older people to have a safe and secure environment when they are at their most vulnerable.
“On Monday, we began using text messaging via our helpline staff, instant messaging via our website, and launched the UK’s first Knowledge Bank for older people at risk of abuse. However, whilst all our information online is available 24/7, we rely on staff and volunteers to give that vital in-person advice via the helpline or messages. That has only ever been available during business hours and we need to make this provision available round the clock.”
The charity has also sent an open letter to the Home Secretary and to her counterparts in the devolved administrations. The letter calls for support in ensuring that the abuse of older people is taken as seriously as abuse against other populations. The charity believes the polling figures underscore the inequality in support for older people who are at risk of or have experienced abuse.
The charity is urging those keen to support the 24/7 campaign to make a donation by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donateor Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.
Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.
A new national helpline is being set up to provide essential assistance to those who don’t have a network of support but who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19.
The service – which opens today (Tuesday) – will offer help to those who do not have family or existing community support and cannot get online and who are over 70, disabled, require the support of mental health services, are pregnant or receive a flu jab for health reasons.
This service is in addition to localised support already available for people who have received letters advising them to shield themselves. However, any of those in the shielding category who are not yet receiving assistance, who do not have family and cannot get online can access support via this new helpline.
Anyone not in these categories but still looking for support should visit readyscotland.org
The helpline – 0800 111 4000 – will initially operate during core working hours of 9am to 5pm while plans are developed and implemented to extend it to operate for a longer period each day.
Callers will be automatically connected to their local authority who will support them to access the service they need, such as:
essential food and medication
links to local social work services for vulnerable children or adults
emotional support
contact with local volunteer groups.
Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Aileen Campbell said: “The coronavirus outbreak is impacting all our lives but for some it is more than a disruption – it is a severe restriction on their ability to access food, medicine or other essential services.
“This national helpline will allow our most vulnerable, who do not have a network support group, to access the essential help they need.”
COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison said: “These are unprecedented times. Coronavirus is having an impact on all our daily lives – but for many without any support network it is even worse.
“This national helpline and support arrangements will provide reassurance to our most vulnerable citizens. It is there to support those who are at home with nobody around to help them and with no other way of seeking local assistance. It will allow them to immediately access the essential help they need.
“The approach to getting this helpline up and running has been multi-agency and I would like to thank not only Council Chief Executives and their staff for the work they have done, but our other partners, volunteers and the third sector too. I hope it gives many residents, struggling alone in very challenging situations, the reassurance they deserve at this incredibly difficult time.”
