Loneliness Awareness Week Australia | 5-11 August 2024
WHY WE FEEL LONELY
Loneliness is a critical issue and is recognised as a public health priority for many countries around the world. However, despite being highly prevalent, loneliness isn’t widely understood or spoken about in Australia.
Loneliness Awareness Week (held annually in the first week of August) shines a spotlight on the shared experience of loneliness and calls on all Australians, including individuals, communities, workplaces, education, and government, to take action to reduce loneliness and create more opportunities for meaningful social connection.
This year Ending Loneliness Together is but a spotlight on loneliness through their new research and conversations with everyday Australians, they know that that significant life changes and circumstances (such as financial hardship, relationship breakdown, loss and health conditions) can contribute to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. That’s why this Loneliness Awareness Week they are sharing real stories to normalise conversations about why we feel lonely and encouraging all Australians to create a culture of connection at home, work, school and in the community.
The Research
Ending Loneliness Together has released their latest report Why We Feel Lonely here.. Which is a deep dive into how different life circumstances contribute to persistent loneliness and social isolation. This study is a follow-up to their 2023 State of the Nation Report on Social Connection in Australia, which revealed that 1 in 3 Australians feel lonely at any given time and shared insights into who experiences loneliness and how it impacts our health and wellbeing.
Understanding this is crucial in developing initatives that promote meaningful social connections across the lifespan and prevent the significant health impacts of lasting loneliness.
The Stories
Hear from Australians from all walks of life, sharing their experience of loneliness and the power of meaningful social connection.
Available on www.lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au. These stroies share experiences ranging from working away from family, major life changes, such as milestones and relocation, chronic illness, and much more.
Guidelines: How to talk about loneliness? Which dives into the terminology and depiction of loneliness.
Conversation Starters, Understanding Loneliness Resource Packs, and Lesson Plans.
Get Involved
You can start conversations and spread the word online through visiting the www.lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au and use the hashtags #EndingLonelinessTogether and #LonelinessAwarenessWeekAU