Welcome to the Uniting Communities Overcoming Loneliness monthly e-news. We’ll keep you up to date with the latest news about loneliness initiatives, research, innovative case studies and data.
If you have a story to share about how your work or organisation is overcoming loneliness, please contact us at advocacy@unitingcommunities.org
South Australia
Meaningful Connections at Every Age
On 1 October, at the Adelaide Festival Centre, COTA SA hosted their flagship event, Meaningful Connections at Every Age, supported by the Office for Ageing Well.
Attendees were invited to call out ageism, explore what it means to age well, including the importance of intergenerational relationships, and inspire older South Australians by bringing together a diverse group of speakers and panellists to share their expertise, insights and lived experience.
Co-housing in South Australia, can it reduce loneliness?
The State Planning Commission has worked in partnership with a number of councils to develop a draft Code Amendment that would allow for the introduction of co-located housing in the community.
Some of the benefits of co-located housing include community building, healthy ageing, sustainability and affordability.
Co-housing communities have been an approach to reducing loneliness internationally and in some developments in Australia.
The benefits of volunteering for people living with a disability
‘Enhanced lifestyles’ details how volunteering offers a meaningful way to combat social isolation by providing opportunities for social interaction and community engagement.
When individuals volunteer, they meet new people, build friendships, and feel a greater sense of belonging in their communities.
Australia
Activating school grounds for community use
A new report by Victoria Health looks at practical tips to support school leaders to activate their open spaces after hours and on weekends, unleashing the many benefits for schools and communities.
Opening school grounds creates more opportunities for social connection. This helps to reduce social isolation, particularly for vulnerable families.
Hearings announced for inquiry into loneliness
New hearings have been announced for November for NSW’s parliamentary inquiry into loneliness.
This inquiry was established on 6 August 2024 to inquire into and report on the prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness in NSW.
Both submissions and online questionnaire responses close on 1 November 2024.
International
Canadian Human Connection Conference
‘Building Bridges: Innovative Approaches for a More Connected Canada conference,’ will be held in Vancouver on November 4th to bring together experts from various sectors to share research, insights, and strategies for building a more connected Canada.
The Canadian Human Connection Conference (CHCC '24) is dedicated to exploring the critical role of human connection in promoting social, mental, and physical health.
Global Wellbeing Report
Canadian organisation ‘Lululemon,’ released its fourth annual 2024 Global Wellbeing Report, revealing that 89% of those experiencing “wellbeing burnout” say loneliness is a contributing factor.
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