Manifesto Calls for Urgent Action to Declare Loneliness a Public Health Crisis in Scotland 

The Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness, which is co-facilitated by Befriending Networks and Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), has engaged with more than 120 organisations across the country over the last year as it lays out its vision to cut chronic loneliness by half over the next decade.

The Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness has unveiled a new manifesto urging the next Scottish Government to make tackling social isolation and loneliness a public health priority. 

The Forum, which is a community of organisations and individuals dedicated to addressing the issue of social isolation and loneliness, has engaged with more than 120 organisations across the country this year as it lays out its vision to combat the issue. 

In 2026, the Scottish Government’s Recovering our Connections delivery plan on social isolation ends and the Forum has called for a long-term strategic framework to tackle the issue which affects one in five adults in Scotland. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also recognised loneliness as a “priority public health problem.” 

Paul Okroj, Director of External Engagement and Service Development at CHSS, and Susan Hunter, Chief Executive of Befriending Networks, said: “Loneliness is not just a painful, personal feeling, it’s a serious health risk and one which impacts on a broad range of people throughout society. 

“Globally, loneliness is linked to an estimated 100 deaths every hour and it’s entirely preventable. It is linked to increasing risks for coronary heart disease, stroke, depression and cognitive decline as well as a weakened immune system and early death. 

“That’s why we have put together a manifesto for tackling isolation and loneliness looking at key areas of policy, research, interventions, data and engagement. As well as using our  knowledge, experience and expertise in service and support delivery. 

“Addressing loneliness will improve mental and physical health, strengthen communities, and reduce the financial burden on health and social care services. People who report being ‘often lonely’ cost the NHS, at least an additional £900 per person annually.  

 “We need bold leadership and long-term investment from the next Scottish Government to make Scotland a global leader in tackling this public health crisis and make a positive change in the years ahead. 

“The Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness has built up the knowledge, support and delivery of interventions to reduce isolation and loneliness and we hope the next Scottish Government can heed these warnings and make Scotland a more socially-connected country.” 

The Scottish Household Survey’s most recent research has highlighted the devastating impact of chronic loneliness on health, wellbeing, and public services. 

Disabled people were more than twice as likely (38%) to experience loneliness as non-disabled people and 41% of single pensioners experienced loneliness in the past week.  

A quarter of those aged 75 and over, and 23% of 16 to 24-year-olds, experienced loneliness over the last week.  

It is also seeking a commitment to a national research study underpinned by a Centre of Excellence for Social Isolation and Loneliness and annual cross-ministerial summit and full engagement with World Health Organisation recommendations.  

Another key aspect of the manifesto is declaring loneliness in Scotland as a public health priority with collaborative work carried out at local, regional and national levels.

To read the manifesto click here.