Australians for Mental Health has called for the NSW government to implement a whole of system, whole of government approach to combat loneliness ahead of a parliamentary inquiry on Friday.
In a submission to the parliamentary standing committee on social issues’ inquiry into loneliness AfMH has called for increased resourcing to local governments due to their unique connection to the community.
“Loneliness is a serious issue with real connections to the growing epidemic of poor mental health in Australia,” Australians for Mental Health’s Executive Director, Chris Gambian, said.
“Each year the healthcare costs associated with loneliness are estimated to be as high as $2.7 billion and increase the pressure on our already struggling health and mental health systems.”
“The NSW government’s inquiry into loneliness is a welcome step in doing something tangible about an issue that is spiraling out of control.”
Gambian said that any strategy to decrease loneliness must include establishing targets and increased resourcing for local governments due to their unique connection to local communities.
“Local governments around NSW have a deep connection to the communities they serve and already have experience in the management and delivery of services that can have a huge impact on loneliness,” Gambian said.
“To fully leverage these strengths the NSW state government should introduce specific targets for local governments around reducing loneliness and combine that with effective resourcing to ensure they are equipped to succeed.”
The inquiry was established following a 2022 Mental Health Commission survey that found almost 40 per cent of NSW residents report experiencing loneliness and that individuals facing mental health challenges were nearly twice as likely to feel isolated.
To organise an interview with Australians for Mental Health CEO, Chris Gambian, please contact Simon Black: [email protected], or on 0420 488 219.
About Australians for Mental Health:
Australians for Mental Health was founded in 2014 to campaign for fundamental change in the way the country thinks and acts about mental health. Our mission is to ensure that Australia starts putting mental health at the heart of our national life.