Initiative to tackle lonliness

An Ayrshire-wide forum to support tackling social isolation and loneliness could be created after a roundtable discussion on the topic took place.

- STEPHEN BARK

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Elaine Stewart hosted the discussion with the Belonging Forum and community groups from across her constituency recently.

The Belonging Forum is an organisation which aims to understand the crisis of social isolation and loneliness and connect people and partners to create real and practical solutions.

Participants at the event, which took place at Ochiltree Community Hub, included Yipworld, 9CC Group, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, New Cumnock Development Trust, The Nest Wellbeing Group, The Carrick Centre, Ayrshire College, Carol Mochan MSP, the Bellsbank Project, South Ayrshire Ageing Well and others.

A full and frank discussion was held and Ms Stewart has committed to exploring an Ayrshire-wide forum to help community groups share best practice to tackle social isolation and loneliness.