Loneliness is increasingly being recognised as a public health emergency across Scotland. The Scottish Government’s Recovering our Connections 2023–2026 strategy highlights rebuilding social connections as a national priority, while Scottish Care has described loneliness as a “quiet public health crisis,” affecting almost half of people over 50 at least some of the time.

This Village Halls Week session explores the vital role community spaces play in Scotland’s post-Covid recovery. Village halls provide warm, welcoming environments for low-pressure social contact, meaningful activities, and volunteering — all proven to strengthen connection and reduce isolation. Join us to consider how local spaces can continue to rebuild belonging and resilience in our communities.

This is a joint thematic session between the Community Spaces Network and Health & Wellbeing Network. Hosted in partnership with Scottish Rural Action.