MSP backs drive to tackle isolation of OAPs

A LOTHIANS Green MSP today gave her backing to a charity campaign aiming to tackle isolation among older people.

Alison Johnstone visited Age Scotland’s shop on Nicolson Street to sign a petition calling on the Scottish Government to extend the free bus pass scheme to include community transport services.

She said: “Isolation is one of the largest problems facing our older population and it’s clear that extending the free bus pass to include community transport would be a very 
positive step.

“All the evidence shows that increasing the independence of older people leads to better physical and mental health and fewer demands on our health system. I urge people to show their support the Still 
Waiting campaign by signing their petition.”

The petition can also be signed in Age Scotland’s Stockbridge and Morningside branches and on its website.

Siu Pang, the Nicolson Street shop manager, said: “If you pop into one of our friendly Edinburgh shops between now and the end of September, you’ll find that signing our campaign petition couldn’t be easier.”