COMMUNITY-DRIVEN non-profit organisation, Australians for Mental Health, has welcomed a NSW parliamentary report into loneliness, following an enquiry into the prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness across the state.
The final report from the Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Social Issues acknowledged the growing issue of loneliness, and its significant contribution to mental ill-health, disadvantage and marginalisation.
It backs two of the recommendations submitted by Australians for Mental Health, including establishing a whole-of-government strategy to tackle the issue over a five-year period, and amending the Local Government Act to require LGAs to plan for and report on actions to address loneliness and encourage meaningful connections.
"Loneliness is a very serious and growing social and health challenge," said Australians for Mental Health Executive Director, Chris Gambian.
"We know from our own polling last year that one in three Australians don't feel like they are getting enough social connection.
"Connection is good for us, and too many Australians aren't getting enough of it."
Gambian said the report acts as a "path to addressing this very harmful issue", adding that he is pleased that his organisation's proposals are reflected in the report's recommendations.
"To be included in the final report for our proposal to amend the Local Government Act to include a clear focus on social connection and loneliness, and requiring councils to report on their performance, is encouraging," he stated.
"We know local councils are in a unique position to be able to identify and respond to the needs of their communities.
"[They] should be properly resourced to support community interventions targeting loneliness," Gambian said. JM
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