Remit
The Committee is looking into issues around age and social isolation.
We began by meeting with a range of organisations that support older and younger people experiencing social isolation through informal sessions in January, and we went on to run a call for views. Our call for views closed on 13 March, and submisisons can be read by following the link towards the bottom of this page.
Oral evidence began on 5 March, where we heard evidence from the voluntary sector and the Office of Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People on supporting young people.
Official Report of Meeting 5 March 2015
We went on to hear evidence on the effects of social isolation on both younger and older people in an urban setting when we met in Easterhouse on 16 March as part of one of the Presiding Officer's Parliament Days.
Parliament Day Easterhouse - news release
Official Report of Meeting 16 March 2015
At our meeting on 26 March we heard an overview of the issues faced by old people experiencing social isolation and loneliness.
Official Report of Meeting 26 March 2015
On Thursday 2 April we heard from voluntary sector services about the ways in which older people can be supported.
Official Report of Meeting 2 April 2015
We heard how health, social care and housing can have an effect on feelings of social isolation at our meeting on 23 April.
Official Report of Meeting 23 April 2015
At our meeting on 11 May the Committee met in Islay to look at social isolation in a rural setting.
Holyrood Committee takes loneliness inquiry to Islay - news release
Official Report of Meeting 11 May 2015
The final evidence session on Age and Social Isolation was held on 4 June, where the Committee heard from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners' Rights.
Official Report of Meeting 4 June 2015
The Committee hopes to produce a report on its findings on the extent and impact of social isolation on older and younger people living in Scotland in September.
Evidence
Our call for views ran between 19 January and 13 March 2015.
A summary paper of evidence received is available, along will all individual submissions.
Evidence received
Oral evidence began on 5 March and is expected to run through until May.
Correspondence
8 June 2015
Timetable
March to December 2015
Report
The Committee published its report on 28 October 2015 -
The Committee received the Scottish Government's response on 17 December 2015 -
Debate
The Committee's inquiry was debated in the Chamber of the Scottish Parliament on 6 January 2016.
Read the Official Report of the debate