Lonely not alone: Loneliness Awareness Week

As Australia’s first Loneliness Awareness Week draws to a close, Suicide Prevention Queensland is encouraging regional Queenslanders to stay connected and reach out for support if they need it.

Loneliness has been recognised as a public health priority for many countries around the world with research showing that loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to an individual’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

General Manager of Suicide Prevention Queensland Sandra Moore says it is important to acknowledge the contributions being made to end loneliness.

“It’s great to see initiatives like Loneliness Awareness Week that acknowledge the prevalence of loneliness and small actions we can all take to help end it,” said Sandra.

‘We know that loneliness affects 1 in 3 Australians and it’s also a key trigger for suicide.

“Reducing loneliness really needs to be a priority for us all - as suicide prevention is everyone’s business.”

Early 2023 saw the largest State of the Nation Report on Social Connection, highlighting the critical issue of loneliness which prompted Ending Loneliness Together to launch Australia’s first-ever Loneliness Awareness Week this year.

In line with this year's theme; lonely not alone; Loneliness Awareness Week aims to highlight the common misconceptions and stigma that prevents people from talking about loneliness - and in turn seeking the meaningful connections they want and need.

“Loneliness affects everyone – friends, partners, parents, children, colleagues and neighbours,” said Sandra.

“Suicide Prevention Queensland is raising funds to improve access to vital services and programs, working to identify gaps in services and combating loneliness, which reduces the risk of suicide.

Programs like selectability’s BikeSheds and Clubhouses are becoming increasingly important in reducing feelings of loneliness, a key trigger for suicide.

In support of Loneliness Awareness Week, here are some things to help overcome loneliness and isolation and what Suicide Prevention Queensland is doing to improve your life:

 

Social connectedness and physical activity

Research shows that Australians who feel lonely are over five times more likely to have poorer wellbeing.

Left unaddressed, loneliness can lead to reduced work productivity, chronic disease, mental ill health and suicide.

selectability’s BikeSheds serve as an unwavering commitment to communities and individuals across regional Queensland and are specifically designed to combat feelings of loneliness.

Located in many regions across our footprint, BikeSheds are community-based facilities that provide a welcoming, safe space for individuals to connect and get more active.

The BikeShed’s open-door policy allows any individual to attend free of charge, creating an inclusive environment that is community-focused.

The BikeShed’s have always been much more than Bikes, beyond group rides and opportunities to learn about bike repairs, each facility fosters an environment of inclusivity and flexibility where you can sit down for a coffee and a chat.

As a result, selectability’s BikeShed program directly enhances quality of life by reducing loneliness, highlighting access to further mental wellbeing services and promoting healthy lifestyles for many regional Queenslanders across our wide footprint.

Improving your social connection through member-led recovery

When feeling lonely, it can be challenging to connect with others, but it is a necessary step for better mental and physical health.

However, Loneliness Awareness Week highlights that loneliness is about how disconnected you feel, rather than how many connections you have.

“Promoting socialisation through shared interests and activities is key to creating meaningful connections with others.

“On the ground services that promote socialisation and social skills reduce instances of social isolation, which is a major risk factor for suicide.”

selectability’s clubhouses are a great example of this, using peer support to create a better quality of life.

Its programs are open to adults with a lived experience in mental illness and Clubhouse activities are voluntary, providing members with choice and control over their own mental health journeys.

Included in this is a range of activities that promote socialisation and community involvement.

This can include other clubhouse members and employees through various sewing, art, health and fitness activities.

It can also include community-based social connections - excursions to local facilities such as museums or markets, or recreational activities that encourage movement and socialisation with the general public.

The group environment allows individuals to connect with a number of membership packages that provide them with access to activities, resources and wellbeing supports that offer social inclusion and self-development.

Beyond our commitment to addressing this unmet need by raising funds to improve access to vital services and programs, Suicide Prevention Queensland recognises that reducing loneliness is a goal we must tackle together.

In line with this year’s theme of Loneliness Awareness week we’re encouraging everyone to learn about loneliness and take steps towards building meaningful social connections.

“It is time we normalised conversations around loneliness.”