ScotlandIS boss hauds her wheesht to tackle loneliness

As CEO of a major trade association, Jane Morrison-Ross spends much of her time talking to members, colleagues and partners.

But now the ScotlandIS leader has agreed to stay completely silent for a working day - or until she raises £1000 for Age Scotland.

Ms Morrison-Ross will take on the challenge on Thursday (SEPT 24) to raise awareness and help the 200,000 older people in Scotland at risk of chronic loneliness.

She is joining other Scottish business leaders in the “Big Wheesht” and will only be allowed to speak once she has raised at least £1000 in sponsorship.

Ms Morrison-Ross, who leads the Linlithgow-based association championing Scotland’s digital technologies industry, admits that “hauding her wheesht” doesn’t come easily for her. But she was inspired to help older people who are especially struggling with loneliness during the pandemic.

Jane said: “We all get old - if we are lucky. I hate to think of anyone being alone and isolated. Our older generations have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.

"We are all looking at diversity and inclusion and how we can be more aware and active. Age is a protected characteristic - but it's one that is often forgotten.

"I'm hugely supportive of Age Scotland and the Big Wheesht mission to make sure no one is alone, isolated and forgotten.’’

Age Scotland, the national charity for older people which tackles loneliness and isolation, is recruiting business leaders and influencers in Scotland to ‘Haud their Wheesht’ and raise £1,000 each, using only their networks, before being allowed to talk again.

Donations can only be made on that day, but if donations reach £1,000 quickly enough, they will be able to talk before the day is over.

Each £1,000 raised can enable Age Scotland to fund 200 calls on their free friendship line to people who are lonely and isolated and for whom just someone to talk to and listen is a potential lifesaver.

Michelle Supple, Director of Charity Services at Age Scotland, said: “Imagine having no-one to talk to, day after day. Imagine how lonely you would feel. Sadly, 200,000 older people in Scotland go at least half a week without speaking to anyone.

“Coronavirus has only exacerbated this, having a devastating impact on older people in Scotland’s mental health and well-being."

Find more information on the Big Wheesht and how you can get involved.