Edinburgh loneliness projects among those to share in £1 million extra Scottish Government funding
‘Loneliness can affect anyone’ - Simita Kumar MSP
Projects supporting people at risk of loneliness have been given more than £1 million in extra Scottish Government funding, including several in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
The money was announced by Equalities Minister Simita Kumar, who was appointed to the role after being elected SNP MSP for Edinburgh South Western at last month's Holyrood elections.
She said 52 organisations across Scotland were having their funding extended up to 2027, with £1.05 million shared between them.
Among those to benefit are the Big Hearts Community Trust in Edinburgh, which hosts gatherings for older people and carers; the Pilmeny Development Project, which offers creative arts, health and wellbeing activities for older people; and Pilton Community Health Project for its social indoor and outdoor activities for men and women.
Also receiving funding are Care for Carers, for small group breaks for unpaid carers; the Living Memory Association, which offers a range of group activities for older people; and the Edinburgh Tool Project, to support volunteering for people from the LGBT+ community.
Home-Start East Lothian will be funded for volunteer befriending for isolated families; Stepping Out, for indoor and outdoor activities for people with mental health conditions; and Our Community Kitchen in Haddington, for lunches and activities for older people, disabled people and those with mental health conditions.
The Scottish Government launched the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund in August 2023 and it will now run until March 2027, by which time the government says more than £3.8 million will have been invested and at least 20,000 people will have been supported.
Ms Kumar said: “Loneliness can affect anyone and the cost-of-living crisis has increased isolation for many, including young people, carers and disabled people.
“Our funding will allow organisations to extend their projects, keeping people connected during this challenging time.
“I thank the organisations who are providing this vital support to people across Scotland, ensuring that people feel warmth and connection in their communities and can access important support networks.”