South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle has urged the Scottish Government to do more to support grassroots sport and other community organisations in the wake of the pandemic.
The Scottish Conservative MSP made the call during First Ministers Questions, where he highlighted the findings of a new report by /Together, a coalition of groups looking to bring society together. Their Talk/Together report spoke to over 150,000 across the UK, including thousands of people in Scotland, to understand what issues are dividing people and what can be done to bring more of us together.
With growing concerns about the effects of the social isolation of lockdown on people’s mental health, Brian believes that community groups and local sports clubs will need support in the aftermath of the pandemic to encourage people to return and restore their social connections.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“While many of us have come together during the pandemic to help our neighbours and communities, we’ve also been forced to be apart from our friends and family.
It’s massively important that we’re able to renew and strengthen our bonds with the people and things that matter to us as we emerge from the pandemic. Whether that’s being a member of a local drama group, cheering on the local football team or just meeting some friends for a coffee at the community centre.
The Talk/Together report shows that we all see the value in our connections with other people. It’s vital that the Scottish Government do more to support the thousands of community organisations who bring people together.”
