Tackling Loneliness

Loneliness is a global problem that affects millions of people worldwide, and Australia is no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this issue, with many people feeling isolated and disconnected from their community. In 2023, it’s time for us to take active steps to tackle loneliness in Australia. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have a critical role in this effort, and this blog post will explore what needs to be done to make a difference.

A recent survey by the Australian Psychological Society revealed that over a quarter of Australians reported feeling lonely more often since the start of the pandemic. On an international level, loneliness has been linked to numerous mental and physical health issues, including depression, substance abuse, and heart disease. It is essential for NGOs to raise awareness about this issue and to facilitate conversations around loneliness.

Is loneliness about isolation?

Loneliness is not the same as social isolation, though they are often used interchangeably. Social isolation is when a person lacks meaningful contact with other people. Meaningful being the key word, there are people out there with hundreds of social connections, extremely popular, but still feel disconnected and overwhelmed by loneliness.

For NGOs to adequately tackle loneliness, they need to understand this distinction and develop strategies that address both the causes and symptoms of loneliness. This could include providing mental health resources, creating support groups for people struggling with their mental health due to social isolation, or running campaigns to reduce the stigma around loneliness.

Do people choose to be lonely?

Generally, no; however, due to trauma or other mental health or social development issues, some people may choose to stay isolated and not seek meaningful contact with others. NGOs must identify those prone to loneliness and provide support and resources to help them overcome it. Additionally, it’s vital to create community spaces where people can come together in a safe and supportive setting.

So what causes the feeling of loneliness?

Loneliness can arise from a variety of factors. Long-term unemployment, poverty and financial hardship, bereavement, physical or mental illness, lack of family and social support, language barriers, and living in an unfamiliar environment are some of the most common causes of loneliness. Non-governmental organisations should know that anyone can experience loneliness regardless of socio-economic background or life circumstances. Yes, disadvantaged people should be prioritised, but those in more affluent backgrounds have just the same painful challenges and shouldn’t be forgotten about.

The importance of social connection

The importance of having meaningful connections with others cannot be overstated. Research has shown that feeling socially connected is essential for our mental health and wellbeing. NGOs have a responsibility to encourage people to make an effort to connect and to be involved with building their community, whether it’s through volunteering or joining a local group. This can help reduce loneliness, create social bonds, and improve overall wellbeing. Governments tend not to fund community centres for that soft entry, low-level social connection level work, focusing on what they see as more wicked problems and priorities, but just creating a safe place to connect is vital to the health of any community. Every community needs adequate social infrastructure in facility and service form, a coordinated place, and a human service plan.

Spread Awareness:

The first step to tackling loneliness in Australia is raising awareness. Many people are unaware that loneliness is a significant problem in our society; therefore, they do not know how to support those struggling. NGOs can create engaging campaigns, organise events, and use social media to spark conversations about loneliness, its impact, and what people can do to help. The goal is to turn loneliness into a public concern and spur action.

Build Partnerships:

Building partnerships with various groups, such as local authorities, community groups, and the private sector, is critical to tackling loneliness in Australia. NGOs can leverage these partnerships to create a more significant impact, form volunteer support networks, and share resources. For instance, NGOs can collaborate with the government and other organisations to develop community programs encouraging social interaction and connection. Collaboration and coordination reduce duplication, produces higher-impact programs with strategies that are known to work, and provide greater flexibility and response.

Provide Support:

NGOs must provide support systems and services that cater to the needs of the lonely populations in Australia. NGOs can make a positive impact through group activities such as Meetups, social clubs, and social events or by developing support systems such as mental health and counselling services. Organising events can also play a significant role in helping people interact and connect socially, which can aid in tackling loneliness. Diversity In activities is critical; different calls for different ducks, as long as the action is safe and attractive, well marketed, and the underpinning objective allows people to connect; everything else should be secondary.

Create And Promote Inclusivity:

Inclusivity is vital in building a community where everyone feels welcome. Everyone deserves to feel that they belong, whether young or old, rich or poor, from different cultures or have different abilities. NGOs can create and promote inclusivity by making their services and support systems available to everyone. Barriers such as service criteria, priorities focus, appointments only, daytime or in-person-only activities, etc., are all self-created self-justified bureaucratic barriers and must be reduced where possible. This will help to ensure that no populations are not left behind and that people can receive the support they need when they need it and when they are ready.

Foster A Sense Of Belonging:

Creating a sense of belonging, collective pride, and responsibility reduces loneliness. NGOs can facilitate activities that bring people together and foster friendships. They can do this by allowing people to share their experiences and encourage one another. This sense of community promotes empathy, compassion, and a bond that can help combat loneliness and build resilience in ways that agencies can’t.

Tackling loneliness in Australia in 2023 is a significant challenge, but NGOs can play a crucial role. NGOs can make a difference by spreading awareness, building partnerships, providing support, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a sense of belonging. Together, we can create a society where loneliness is no longer a prevalent public health problem. It’s time for NGOs to step up and take action. Let’s make loneliness a thing of the past in Australia.

Check out this forthcoming event held by some of my colleagues in the sector below, join the debate, and get involved in joint planning to tackle these vital community issues.