Publication - Consultation paper

A Connected Scotland: tackling social isolation and loneliness and building stronger communities

Published: 16 January 2018
Topic: Communities and third sector
ISBN: 9781788513739

This strategy sets out our vision for a Scotland where everyone has the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships, regardless of age, status, circumstance, or identity.

Supporting documents

Draft Performance Framework

Vision:	A Scotland where individuals and communities are more connected and everyone has the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships regardless of age, status, circumstances or identity
Outcomes:	Improved understanding of social isolation and loneliness and its main causes and impacts	Fewer causes of social isolation and loneliness	Reduced harm from the effects of social isolation and loneliness	Communities are more empowered to directly respond to social isolation and loneliness
Measures of success:	More people are able to recognise it Stigma surrounding social isolation and loneliness is reduced and people feel more comfortable talking about feelings of loneliness and taking advantage of help available to them Policy makers and practitioners have a more complete and shared understanding of its prevalence and nature	Less poverty and inequality Better digital infrastructure and training Closer and engaged communities More social spaces in towns and cities Less neighbourhood crime and antisocial behaviour More people aware of consequences of online behaviour Better transport links	Improved population health Improved mental health, depression, self-harm and suicide Fewer hospital admissions/injuries Improved knowledge and training among frontline professionals across health, education, justice etc. People know how to access support	Stronger social connections More people volunteering in their communities Greater neighbourhood cohesion Reduced antisocial behaviour
Indicators:	People are more likely to ask for help People are more aware of the help available to them More people recognise the triggers and signs of loneliness Social isolation and loneliness features in more government work at both a national and local level	The number of households experiencing poverty has been reduced The number of households with access to super-fast broadband has increased A reduction in the digital skills gap People display more resilient behaviour online A decrease in the number of bullying cases in schools	The number of elderly people admitted to hospital as a result of unintentional harm has been reduced People more likely to speak to their GP about mental health More people feel comfortable discussing care/treatment with social care professionals	More people report having regular social contact within their communities More people report utilising local amenities More people feel safe in their communities

Contact

Trevor Owen

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