A survey for the British Red Cross has found that loneliness is on the rise in Scotland.
The online YouGov opinion poll for the charity found that 30 per cent of people feel lonelier than this time last year, despite the easing of covid restrictions and at a time when cases are on the rise again.
And many are worried that the cost of living crisis will lead to even more isolation with people going out less often.
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The British Red Cross runs a Connecting With You service, funded by the Scottish Government, which sees experienced volunteers help people to reconnect with their local community.
The service provides telephone, online, and in-person support to help rebuild their confidence, feel better connected, and more involved in their local community.
One of those who’s benefitted is Mary Webb, 65, from Paisley.
Mary lost her husband of 45 years, Graham, about six years ago, leaving her feeling isolated and lonely. She sought help in 2020 after hearing about the service from a friend.
The charity has kept in regular contact with Mary and has supported her in moving back to the community that she had to leave when Graham passed away.
Mary said: “When I lost Graham I felt lost and lonely for a long time.
“My friend told me about the Connecting With You service, but it took me a few years to actually get in touch.
“They’ve been like a family to me, and I really don’t know what I would have done without them.
“They talk to you like a human being, like a friend, and help you feel safe and listened to.
“They’ve kept in touch with me since the first call and have been a real lifeline.
“Knowing that there’s someone there to listen to you and just be there for you lifts you up when you are feeling low.
“It has made such a huge difference to me.”
Kenneth Watt, policy and public affairs manager with the British Red Cross, said: “Too many people are lonely in Scotland, and this has only got worse since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
“These latest findings show that the rising cost of living is also leading to greater social isolation.
“Everybody can get lonely, but there are many simple steps to better protect people from loneliness and we are committed to ensuring that people have somewhere to turn to.
“Now is the time to think about the kind of society we want to become as we face these challenges and emerge from them on the other side.
“It is vital that support is targeted at the most vulnerable and that further efforts are made to ensure all of us enjoy those quality human connections that enrich our lives.”
• If you are aged 18 and over, living in Scotland and experiencing loneliness or social isolation, contact the Connecting With You service on 0300 30 36 077 between 10am–4pm, Monday to Friday.
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