Help us to "Light up Loneliness" by encouraging your local council to get involved.
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.
Fast paced comedy!!
I have agreed at very short notice to be involved in a Nelson Fringe Festival show! Alice has turned 65. On her party evening, she nods off watching late-night telly, and wakes in Retirementland. A wacky adventure ensues - the Rat Race sweeps her along and a wry cat asks difficult questions.
A playful kiwi comedy about rediscovering identity, and exploring and embracing life beyond work.
Alice in Retirementland features all your favourite characters in crazy new scenes adapted especially for Alice's latest adventure - rediscovering what is really important to her now that she has reached retirement age.
This mad action will appeal to anyone whether or not they are in a similar stage of life - there will be laughs for everyone as you spot your childhood favourites in their new roles.
This fabulous perennial tale has lost nothing in the re-telling, and promises a great night out for all!
Get your tickets here: nelsonfringe.co.nz...
Comedy show coming up!
Get ready for promotion time for Nelson Fringe Festival! First up is Dr Jo Prendergast Comedy! Come laugh through the tough stuff: songs, sketch and standup about #coping with juggling work, relationships, kids, menopause, illnesses and high maintenance indoor plants! From a multi award-winning comedian, psychiatrist, and fellow life juggler!
Yep, Dr Jo Prendergast is #coping! But only just!
Have you felt like you are juggling so many things in life, that at any moment they might all come crashing down? Or that there are so many unrealistic expectations about how you need to be?
Laugh and learn with toxically positive ‘Barbi’ skits, authentic lifestory comedy and a touch of TED talk from a psychiatrist – about how we cope with juggling the expectations that come with our multiple roles in life.
Jo's earlier show The Cool Mum won Audience Favourite and Best Solo Show Nelson Fringe.
She has featured on TVNZ’s Adam and Eve Show, The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show, The Project, Channel 9 Today Extra, ABC Weekend Breakfast, the AM show and TVNZ Breakfast, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Scotland TV Best Jokes Edinburgh Fringe.
Tickets available at:
nelsonfringe.co.nz...
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.4% No, individuals should take responsibility
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15.3% ... It is complicated
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