Mental health Month - Loneliness

By Mark Waters

Posted Oct 29, 2024 in Faith

Mental Health Month – Loneliness

As Mental Health Month concludes, we reflect on its theme, “It’s Time to Talk About Mental Health,” as set by the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia (MHCSA). This week, our focus is on the pressing issue of loneliness.

Uniting Communities, through its “Overcoming Loneliness Project,” is at the forefront of raising awareness and developing programs to combat this significant challenge. As stated on their website, “Loneliness is a major concern in our community, affecting both mental and physical health.”

The report “Loneliness by Numbers: A South Australian Snapshot” (December 2023) reveals that the most vulnerable group for loneliness in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic is individuals aged 18 to 29. Alarmingly, “91 percent of people aged 18 to 24 reported experiencing loneliness often or sometimes.”

Our local churches play a vital role in alleviating social isolation through initiatives such as cafes, communal meals, game days, and book clubs. We are called to continue these efforts while increasing our commitment to addressing this loneliness crisis. Together, we can foster connection and support within our communities.

Resources:

Overcome Loneliness: Overcoming loneliness | Uniting Communities

Loneliness by Numbers: A South Australian Snapshot         
UC7207_Uniting Communities_loneliness report_digital

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