Community groups are being encouraged to apply for the Scottish Government’s Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund.

The £3.8million fund is part of the wider ‘Recovering our Connections Plan’.

 Expressions of Interest in applying for the fund are open until 31 March 2023.

Click on this link to access more information: Social Loneliness and Isolation Fund 2023 – 2026

The fund is  an open and competitive fund for third-sector organisations, grassroots and community groups based in Scotland.

The aim of this fund is to support projects and organisations to facilitate progress towards the priorities of A Connected Scotland (2018) strategy, and contribute to the recovery and reduction in societal harm associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, and mitigate the impact of the ongoing cost of living crisis.

There are two application stages. Firstly, you will be asked to submit an expression of interest (EOI) and if successful, you will then be invited to stage 2 where you will complete a full application form.

Equalities and Older People’s Minister in the Scottish Government Christina McKelvie said:

“As our society changes, there is increasing recognition of social isolation and loneliness as major public health issues that can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and mental wellbeing.

“The new Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund will provide vital, longer-term support for organisations and projects working on the ground to bring people together and build connections in communities throughout the country.

“Everyone can play a part in tackling these challenges, and our new plan reaffirms our commitment to building a connected Scotland for everyone.”