A group of Perth volunteers is wants to set up a community centre in the city centre to tackle the scourge of loneliness.
Tracey Reilly, secretary of the Perth Community Activities Hub, said social isolation could be “hidden” away in bustling city centres.
The group wants to build a “one stop place” for health and social care information and a “physical hub” for activities focused on improving wellbeing.
NHS Scotland has awarded the group money for a feasibility study, including eight consultation events and an online survey.
Tracy said: “Perth is a great city to live and work in but we are not immune to loneliness and social isolation.
“In many ways, these issues can be just as prevalent as in more remotely populated areas but can be more hidden and just as challenging to address.
“The Community Hub’s aim is to develop a community-led response and to provide a supportive space for people to feel more connected – both to wellbeing services and to other people.”
The group has not yet identified a site for the hub.
Volunteer Wilma Coleman, part of the group, said the hub would be an “easily accessible place for coffee and chat to help reduce social isolation.
“City centres are changing rapidly and the creation of a central place for the people of Perth to identify with and feel comfortable in is now seen as essential,” she added.
The group has shared research showing social isolation is as lethal as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and lonely people are 50% more likely to die prematurely than those with healthy social relationships.
The group’s studies also show this is not confined to older people: younger age groups are being increasingly affected.
The group is being supported by charity PKAVS, which is part of Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership.
Heather Shields, from PKAVS, said: “This is an important step forward in tackling loneliness and social exclusion in the city. We are delighted to be able to support this group of volunteers who are working hard to make a positive difference.”
A series of consultation events will be taking place over the next eight weeks and will be advertised through PKAVS and other channels.
The open online survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PerthHu
