Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour begins by quoting a Simon and Garfunkel lyric, "I am a rock, I am an island".

But he notes the song finishes: "A rock feels no pain and and island never cries".

He says there has been a generational change and notes the sometimes negative impact of technology.

Recalling that some of his friends have withdrawn from social media when going through a difficult time, he adds: "Facebook is full of cats and dogs and happy faces... and Murdo [Fraser] talking about himself."

He concludes with a final call for everyone to play their part in tackling loneliness.

Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson praises the work of the Food Train, external and he agrees with Tory MSP John Scott to speak to the finance secretary about funding going forwards.

Image source, Food Train

Loneliness is not the preserve of the elderly, Alex Cole-Hamilton says, arguing that young people at risk of isolation are not properly identified.

Adverse childhood experiences increase the likelihood of young people suffering, he says.

He calls for the protection of befriending services, which he labels one of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness.

Welcoming the appointment of Tracey Crouch as the new UK loneliness minister, he says it was a "silver lining" in an "otherwise calamitous reshuffle".

"People are often lonely in communities in plain sight".

Image source, bbc

Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton says the timing of this debate is well pitched as it follows the festive period where loneliness is amplified.

Mr Cole-Hamilton says the vast majority of people do not recognise a community spirit.

He says: "All too often we are buliding dormitories not communities."

The Lib Dem MSP raises the issue of the fear of falling at this time of year.

He says that is why he sought and won support for a national fall strategy.

The strategy is an opportunity to consider how government can show leadership in preventative action, Monica Lennon says.

She points to research from the Mental Health Foundation indicating loneliness is affecting many young people, despite it often being considered an issue mostly impacting the elderly.

Change does happen from the ground up, she says, explaining her amendment focuses on the important role of local government in delivering services which connect communities.

Ms Lennon says "public sector budgets are being squeezed", which has a knock-on effect on the third sector and therefore reducing its capacity to help.

She concludes by stating this topic requires cross-party works and commits her party to taking part in that.

Image source, Jo Cox Foundation

From the Jo Cox Foundation website, external:

The Jo Cox Foundation exists to channel the energy and determination generated by Jo's life and untimely death into practical efforts to advance the causes she championed.

"My sister was not a complainer. She was a doer."– Kim Leadbeater, Jo's sister

As an MP, Jo didn't believe any issue was so intractable that it had to be left on the 'too difficult pile'.

Led by her example, we are restless for change. Just as she did, we believe in working together with individuals and organisations that share the commitment to a fairer, kinder and more tolerant world.

We are convinced that by working together effectively we are greater than the sum of our parts. We seek to amplify the voices of all those who believe that compassion, understanding and optimism are signs of strength and not weakness.

Read more here., external

Image source, Getty Images

A minister for loneliness, a project first started by the late MP Jo Cox, has been announced by Downing Street.

Tracey Crouch said she was proud to take on the "generational challenge" to tackle an issue affecting about nine million UK people, young and old.

The 42-year-old said she would work across political parties in the role.

The Commission on Loneliness was first set up by Ms Cox,who was killed before the EU referendum.

A 2017 report said loneliness was asharmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

• UK must tackle loneliness, says report
• Cold and loneliness 'lethal in winter'
• Young women get lonely too
• Is modern life making us lonely?

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Monica Lennon welcomes the government strategy to tackle social isolation and loneliness.

Ms Lennon congratulates the minister for her leadership on this issue so far and says Labour are committeed to working with the government on this issue.

She thanks both Ms Freeman and Ms Wells for their recognition of Jo Cox and the commission on loneliness.

The Labour MSP says loneliness can be as harmful as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.

Ms Wells questions how social prescribing will become part of the NHS.

She notes research indicating signposting to support services increases people's likelihood to seek help.

There needs to be more national awareness of what support it out there, she argues.

The Tory MSP asks how the government intends to monitor local projects which could be rolled out elsewhere, she asks.

"Preventing social isolation and loneliness is the responsibility of us all."