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Library fund invests £100,000 in developing new scheme to tackle social isolation

Fiona Hyslop has backed the Library Reminiscence Project.
Fiona Hyslop has backed the Library Reminiscence Project.

A series of special musical and sporting memories groups have been established across Scotland to help people and their families dealing with such conditions as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

And now, Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture has announced a £100,000 award from the Public Library Improvement Fund to an innovative social wellbeing project aimed at the creation of more memory groups.

The PLIF grant is the largest ever made and the initiative marks the first time library services throughout the country will have collaborated on one single venture.

In partnership with the Scottish Football Museum, the Library Reminiscence Project hopes to build memory groups in libraries across Scotland to help tackle social isolation and loneliness.

The venture will have an emphasis on social history, to help stir conversations and allow group members to reminisce, with topics expected to range from food and shopping to childhood and leisure.

It’s hoped that, by finding common ground and sharing stories, group members will foster lasting connections and feel a stronger sense of community.

Ms Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government places great importance on libraries to empower, to tackle inequality, and to reduce isolation.

“The library is now seen as the community ‘living room’ of the modern town.

“By receiving the largest grant made to date from the Public Library Improvement Fund, I am confident the project will bring libraries from across Scotland together with the shared goal of making a positive difference to people’s lives.”

According to an NHS Scotland report in 2018, around 11% of Scots are living with social isolation and loneliness. It’s hoped the safe and welcoming setting of local libraries and a focused project will provide an opening for greater connection in local communities.

With an impressive, decade-long track record of developing its own renowned Football Memories Project – and similar ventures have been adopted by the likes of Aberdeen FC – the Scottish Football Association Museum has been selected as a key partner.

Its wealth of experience in providing training, working with volunteering, and digitising images will help provide vital guidance for the Library Reminiscence Project.

Robert Craig, chairman of the SFM, said: “This is another first for Scotland, combining sport and social history to enhance the range and scope of what is widely regarded as a world leading memories project.

“We look forward to seeing it grow and develop across the country.”