Seen and Known: Rebuilding Belonging in Modern Scotland

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of Seen and Known: Rebuilding Belonging in Modern Scotland by Logos Scotland, which examines the causes and consequences of loneliness and social disconnection and considers how a stronger sense of belonging can be fostered across Scotland, including in the Mid Scotland and Fife region; notes with concern the report’s findings regarding levels of loneliness among younger people and what it considers to be the growing challenge of people feeling disconnected from family, community and wider society; recognises what it sees as the important contribution made by churches, faith communities, charities, voluntary organisations and other local institutions in creating places where people can build meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging; notes the view that tackling loneliness requires consideration not only of individual wellbeing but also of the strength of the families, communities and institutions that connect people to one another; welcomes the contribution that Logos Scotland makes to public policy debate by bringing a Christian perspective to contemporary social and political challenges; notes the belief that policy at both national and local level should recognise and support the institutions and relationships that help build strong and connected communities, and welcomes further discussion about how Scotland can become a country in which more people feel seen, known and that they belong.