Highlands and Islands MSP, Edward Mountain, has today pressed the Scottish Government to commit funding to support the work of Highland Befrienders.
During a session of portfolio questions at the Scottish Parliament, Edward Mountain MSP asked the Scottish Government “what action it is taking to support people in the Highlands and Islands who are experiencing social isolation and loneliness?
The Minister for Older People and Equalities replied: “We know that rural communities can face particular challenges around social isolation and loneliness. We have engaged with the key stakeholders in Scottish Rural Action and Scotland’s National Rural Mental Health Forum as part of our wider work.”
Edward Mountain then asked: “Highland Befrienders play a vital role in tackling loneliness and social exclusion. The problem is the only money they have been awarded by the Scottish Government runs out in March next year. Can the Minister give me an undertaking that she will assess the feasibility of longer term funding so that organisations like Highland Befrienders can continue to establish communities and provide invaluable support?”
The Minister answered: “I would be absolutely delighted to give Mr Mountain that reassurance.”
The Minister added that the Scottish Government is beginning to spend a £1 million fund to tackle loneliness, with support initially being targeted at befriending networks. The Minister added that “we started with befriending networks because we knew exactly the value of their work.”
Following their exchange, Edward Mountain commented:
“I have met with Highland Befrienders and have seen at first hand the important work they do to build communities in the region.
I am therefore encouraged that the Scottish Government are now beginning to release funding specifically to befriending networks across Scotland.
I will continue to press the Scottish Government to ensure that Highland Befrienders benefits from the £1 million fund to tackle loneliness and social isolation.”
