Loneliness: 'It's like living in your own prison cell'

A growing body of evidence suggests that loneliness is as big a killer as smoking or obesity, prompting the Scottish government to commit to developing a National Strategy on Social Isolation.

Patients at one GP practice in Glasgow have taken the initiative formed their own support group to tackle the issue.

Once a week, they get together to catch up and help beat the low mood that they might be feeling.

Liz says she became lonely and depressed after the death of her son three years ago.

She told BBC Scotland's Lisa Summers that the group lifts her mood and improves her mental health.

The health implications have prompted the Scottish Government to commit to developing a National Strategy on Social Isolation.