Social isolation: the need for inclusive solutions
- Written by: Andrena McMenemy — — DataFakts Ltd
- Published: 16th June 2021
Andrena McMenemy shares her thoughts on social isolation alongside the launch of the Mental Health and Deafness in Scotland report.
Mapping and providing services for people who are socially isolated has never been so necessary, but, while the pandemic has made it more topical, the need for these services is not new.
Social isolation is a daily occurrence for people who have sensory loss. The pandemic has given people in Scotland a unique chance to experience and relate to this isolation as never before. It has afforded the chance to metaphorically ‘walk in the shoes’ of those who experience isolation as part and parcel of life. Services will be needed to counteract the impact lockdowns have had on mental health, and it is vital that this service provision is inclusive, accessible and available to all.
Over the last two years, I have co-authored three research projects for deafscotland (this link will take you away from our website) in partnership with Queen Margaret University (this link will take you away from our website). These studies aimed at highlighting, and going some way to plug, the current gaps in data on the numbers of people with hearing loss in Scotland. The ‘Mental Health and Deafness in Scotland’ report is the next in the series of this research.
It is crucial to capitalise on the unique awareness the pandemic has brought with it and to break down the barriers so often encountered by deaf people. These barriers to inclusion are out in the open now and they are much harder for society and government at large to ignore. It is important that data is collected and shared so that service provision can reflect the numbers who need it.
It is important that ‘build back better’ is not just a slogan; it is important not to lose the momentum and understanding that has been achieved during these trying times. The first step on the road to this is to ensure that data is collected, reported and disseminated. Alongside this, it is vital to make sure people who need these services are part of the teams designing and planning those services. The co-production model needs to be used and it is vital that those with hearing and/or sight loss are at the table from the start.
‘Social isolation does not pertain to those who have voluntarily disconnected, rather, socially isolated people have an unmet need for meaningful interactions’ (Ramage-Morin, 2016).
Post pandemic society gives us a unique chance to make sure these unmet needs faced by people affected by deafness are finally met.
The ‘Mental Health and Deafness in Scotland: Exploring the Data’ report was launched on 9 June 2021 and can be downloaded here (this link will take you away from our website).
End of page.
You may also like:
Dementia Action Week highlighted some great resources and support for people living with dementia and their family, friends, and carers.
Continue readingSteven Mair gives us an insight into his role as a gamer at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Continue readingSince 2009, ALISS has helped people find local health and wellbeing support. Any group, big or small, can add their information.
Continue readingThe new Scottish Government must turn promises into action to improve hospice and palliative care
Continue readingTogether, we can create lasting change for everyone living with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Continue readingFind out more about these digital self management tools and how to get in touch to arrange an information session.
Continue readingOur Chief Officer Sara Redmond addresses recent commentary on the relationship between Government and the Third Sector.
Continue readingCornell explores how we can build an environmental human rights-based culture
Continue readingLouise Coupland, Digital Health and Social Care Programme Manager shares her opinions on the national roll out of MyCare.scot.
Continue readingChris Mackie, Director of Digital, looks back at how ALISS has developed, grown, and innovated over time.
Continue readingCrohn’s and Colitis care in Scotland is at a pivotal moment. Urgent action is needed to tackle delays and poor access to vital services
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Lewis Shaw reflects on the importance of rehabilitation support.
Continue readingIsabella Goldie of Deafblind Scotland reflects on the value of partnership work.
Continue readingFind out more about the inaugural Power of Attorney Day taking place on 22 April 2026.
Continue readingDr Hannah Tweed reflects on 20 years of the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do and why it matters.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, Kerry shares her reflections on how far the ALLIANCE has come, our achievements, and our impact.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on 20 years since Scotland moved to put children at the centre of policy.
Continue readingCancer care in Scotland is at a critical moment. Macmillan is calling for urgent action ahead of the parliamentary elections in May
Continue readingMhairi Campbell reflects on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) not being recognised as having a severe impact on life.
Continue readingLucy Mulvagh shares how she used the Centre for Public Policy Practice Fellowship to examine prevention and its barriers to implementation
Continue readingLaura from Perth and Kinross HSCP shares how we can celebrate World Social Work Day through the lens of 'What Matters To You?'.
Continue readingReflections on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education) Bill
Continue readingLouise Hall from Pain Association Scotland reflects on the event she delivered as part of Self Management Week 2025.
Continue readingAct Now for Autistic Rights calls for a transformative Bill for autistic and neurodiverse communities
Continue readingIn the next decade, the role of digital in health and social care must embed our digital human rights principles to reduce inequalities.
Continue reading