Join Us in the Fight to Reduce Loneliness and Isolation

Loneliness is a growing concern in Australia, with one in three Australian adults reporting they often feel lonely and one in six experiencing severe loneliness. This is a serious issue that can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and physical health, leading to depression, anxiety, and other serious health issues. And did you know that the implications of loneliness even go beyond the individual and also negatively affect Australia economically? There are many ways you can join us in the fight to address loneliness and isolation for yourself and for others – here are some of them:

Volunteer programs: One of the most effective ways of tackling loneliness and isolation is through volunteer programs. These programs connect volunteers with people in need of companionship and support. One such program is our very own Chatterbox Initiative, which connects volunteers with elderly residents in the community for weekly visits. Loneliness is an experience that affects all of us but some of us are more vulnerable than others. The program provides much-needed companionship and support to the recipient, who often live alone or in aged care. Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation among both the volunteer and the recipient.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please register your interest here: https://volunteeringgc.org.au/volunteering-form-cvs/

Social activities: Whether it’s joining a book club, a sports team, or a community group, participating in social activities can help you connect with like-minded people and build new friendships. Our Senior Social Outings are a great way to meet new people, see new things and explore everything the Gold Coast has to offer. Our volunteer drivers will even pick you up and drop you back home!

“I like the variety of places we go [on the outings]. Seeing as I no longer drive, I get to see a lot of different areas and have a chance of meeting some interesting passengers.” – Koraley G

Mental health support: It’s crucial to seek mental health support if you’re struggling with loneliness and isolation. This can include talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or reaching out to a mental health helpline. Mental health professionals can provide guidance, support, and resources to help individuals manage their mental health and overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Normalise conversations about loneliness: Loneliness is highly prevalent but widely misunderstood. When people feel lonely, almost 1 in 3 people are ashamed, 1 in 2 are embarrassed to admit this to others and would conceal their loneliness, and nearly 3 in 5 do not talk to others about feeling lonely (State of the Nation Report: Social Connection in Australia 2023).

Providing the appropriate language and space for people to talk about loneliness can dispel misconceptions, reduce community stigma, and encourage people to seek the meaningful connections they need.

“Loneliness should not be seen as a sign of weakness or fault. Feeling lonely is an innate signal for us to acknowledge and address our basic human need for connection. Understanding this is the first step to creating a more connected Australia.”- Dr Michelle H Lim –  Chair and Scientific Chair, Ending Loneliness Together

 Reach out: Finally, reaching out is essential for combating loneliness and isolation. Whether it’s calling a friend, emailing a family member, or sending a text message, staying in touch with loved ones can provide a sense of connection and support for both parties.

Let’s work together as a society to ensure that no one feels lonely or isolated, and to provide the support and resources necessary to address this growing concern. Together, we can make a real difference.

Reference: Ending Loneliness Together (2023). State of the Nation Report -Social Connection in Australia 2023. https://lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/state-of-nation-social-connection-2023.pdf