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869 days ago

Help us to "Light up Loneliness" by encouraging your local council to get involved.

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

Loneliness is a growing issue for Kiwis of all ages. But the good news is, that it is solvable!


The NZ Coalition to End Loneliness is running a ‘Light up loneliness’ campaign this month to raise awareness and encourage action on loneliness across Aotearoa.

The New Zealand Coalition to End Loneliness is a growing group of non-profit organisations, businesses and researchers working together to end loneliness for individuals, in communities, and at workplaces in New Zealand.

They are now calling on Local Government to help them “Light up loneliness”.

“Imagine if every Mayor and Council across New Zealand helped promote the “Lets End Loneliness” website and made tackling loneliness a priority, using their own local community resources,” says Stephanie Clare, Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive.

“It would be a gamechanger. Taking this issue out of the shadows, reducing the stigma and shame, and giving it light is the aim of the campaign” she says.

Social connection is a key factor for healthy, prosperous people, communities, and workplaces, but loneliness in New Zealand is increasing. In the March 2021 quarter 18.4% of New Zealanders felt lonely most, all or some of the time, up from 16.6% in 2018, and 13.9% in 2014.

“Many of us have experienced loneliness at some time in our lives and we know that feels horrible, but it can be addressed and solved. Together we can end loneliness for New Zealanders who feel isolated” says Sam Johnson, Founder and Chief Executive of Student Volunteer Army.

The letsendloneliness.co.nz website provides information on tackling loneliness and where to get help, as well as up-to-date news and research.

“The website is designed as a source of information which also links people to support services. We challenge every Local Council in New Zealand to create a link on their own websites to letsendloneliness.co.nz” says Sam Johnson.

The recent COVID-19 lockdown highlights that everyone can feel isolated and lonely. Catherine Hall, Chief Executive of Alzheimers New Zealand believes everyone should feel safe, supported, loved, and connected.

“Sadly, people often find family, whānau and friends take a step back just when they need them most. We stand alongside our coalition partners and with all New Zealanders, to make sure no one feels alone.”

Help light up loneliness! The campaign is not just for councils. Anyone can create a link to the letsendloneliness.co.nz or post a mention through social media channels to support the ‘Light up loneliness’ campaign.

Together we can end loneliness, one person, one community, one workplace at a time.

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More messages from your neighbours
21 hours ago

We need your help !!

Rosalie Howard from PAWS Op Shop

To curb the influx of unwanted puppies and kittens at shelters, PAWS offers free dog desexing for the first 10 people with a Community Service Card who contact our Facebook page.
Cat desexing is available for $30, and adult cats are currently 50% off at $50 each.

We have around 40 cats and kittens in need of homes, all desexed and vaccinated.

If you would like to help:
1. Adopt a cat or kitten
2. Donate decent quality clothes, household goods and especially furniture to our Kensington St, Putaruru shop, opposite the Police Station (Tue, Thur and Friday 10am - 2pm)
3. Donate cat and kitten food
4. Donate money (message the Kittens at PAWS page for how to do this), or donate cash at one of the shops

Thank you so much for any help you can provide
Meg
Facebook Link

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21 hours ago

Staying home over the break?

Toka Tū Ake EQC

The long weekend is the perfect time to make your place safer for an earthquake with these steps:

• Find out where you can turn off your water and gas mains
• Check your chimney for any signs of wear and tear, or damage
• Check your home's foundations are secured
• Move heavy items that are up high to safer, lower down locations.
• Secure tall and heavy furniture and appliances

These simple actions can keep your whānau safer in case of a big shake, so tick them off and make the most of your break.
Find out more

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1 day ago

Bob Francis Wins Senior New Zealander Of The Year

Linda Jones Retirement Village

Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial development, the arts, aviation, homelessness, conservation and sports.

Bob’s award signifies the sixth time Ryman Healthcare has supported this category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Kiwi seniors who continue to make positive contributions towards the future of Aotearoa.

Click read more for the full article.

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