Today’s evidence is part of our inquiry into age and social isolation. We are meeting at the Bridge in Easterhouse. I thank the venue for hosting us, and I thank the people who have given up their time to give evidence. I also thank the Presiding Officer for letting the committee be part of the Parliament day in Easterhouse. For those who do not know, the Presiding Officer will hold a public meeting in this room at 5.30 this evening.
Before we begin, I will explain what we mean by the term “social isolation”. Social isolation can be defined as an objective measurable state of having minimal contact with other people including family, friends or the wider community. Although it might be possible to measure social isolation, the feelings of loneliness are personal and individual. For some people, it may not be the number of contacts that is important, but the nature of those contacts, including who they are with, the length of time spent having them and the activity involved.
We want also to look at social isolation and loneliness in younger people under 25 who have not settled into working or family life, and in older people who might have had changes in their lives through retirement or bereavement.
We also want to consider how loneliness and isolation might differ depending on where a person lives. We are in Easterhouse to find out what things are like in a busy urban area. In May we will visit Islay to hear from people in a remote rural location.
This morning, John Mason and I visited Food Train to meet a lovely lady in Old Shettleston Road and a couple who live in a top floor flat in Alexandra Parade. We heard about the difference that Food Train makes to their lives.
I will start with introductions. We are supported at the table by clerking and research staff, official reporters and broadcasting services and, around the room, by security staff. I welcome everyone in the public gallery—we are delighted that so many people have taken the time to come along this afternoon.
My name is Margaret McCulloch. I am the committee’s convener. Members and witnesses are spaced out around the table; I ask everyone to introduce themselves in turn, with witnesses explaining a little about their organisation or project that they are involved in.