07/05/2026
West Lothian Charity Calls on Businesses to Join Fight Against Loneliness
A West Lothian charity connecting more than 800 people aged 50+ through a community led by its members, with over 80 groups and activities, is calling on local businesses to join a West Lothian-wide fundraising drive aimed at tackling loneliness and sustaining vital community activity.
West Lothian 50+ Network has launched Big Fundraising Week 2026, running 15–21 June during Loneliness Awareness Week, and is urging businesses, organisations and residents to get involved.
The campaign follows last year’s inaugural appeal, which raised more than £4,000 through member-led fundraising across the Network’s groups. This year, the charity hopes to build on that success with wider business and community support.
Jamie Seery, Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Loneliness can affect people at any stage of life, but we see every day the difference connection and community can make. Big Fundraising Week is about people coming together in simple ways that support something much bigger, highlighting the power of connection while helping us raise funds to sustain and grow our community.
We know times are challenging for many businesses, so we are not asking for large sums of money or major commitments. It could be something small and meaningful, a workplace raffle, a coffee morning, a prize donation or a sponsored challenge. When lots of people do a little, it adds up to something powerful.
We are asking businesses across West Lothian to join us, support our work and help shine a light on this wider issue.”
Funds raised will help sustain more than 80 activity groups across West Lothian, maintain the charity’s Bathgate Hub, help develop new opportunities in communities where people may be at risk of isolation, and support the volunteers who help make it all happen.
Businesses can take part in a range of simple ways, from workplace fundraising and staff challenges to prize donations or sponsorship.
Businesses interested in supporting Big Fundraising Week 2026 can contact West Lothian 50+ Network at hub@westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506
