Many South Australians are experiencing loneliness, with recent Uniting Communities data highlighting that 59 per cent of people feel lonely ‘often’ or ‘sometimes.’

Uniting Communities Chief Executive Simon Schrapel AM, says that despite the alarming data, there is still a lack of awareness of loneliness, its impacts and action to overcome it.

“What the pandemic has taught us is the value of connection, and the effect that loneliness has on our overall health and wellbeing,” he said.

“Loneliness doesn’t discriminate it can affect anyone at any life stage. There are however some groups that have an increased risk, including older people (75+), middle aged people (45-55) and young adults (18-24),”

“We have a long way to go to reduce the stigma of loneliness as many feel uncomfortable to admit they are lonely,”

“There are a number of things we can do as individuals to reduce loneliness such as openly discussing the issue with friends and colleagues or reaching out to someone you haven’t contacted for a while,”

“Change must also happen from the top-down as well. The State Government can help facilitate a more connected community by providing the infrastructure and space for people to connect, as well as funding the grassroot community activities and programs that bring people together,”

‘We would like to see a state loneliness strategy created by the state government in recognition of the growing issue and the need to address it.’