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.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
-
81.9% Yes
-
15.3% No
-
2.7% Other - I'll share below
Have you heard of Community Comms Collective?
Who are they and what do they do?
Well, to answer that question and others you may want to listen to Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM on Sunday December 1st 2024, to hear Gemma share information about all that the Collective can offer Not for Profit – For Purpose Organisations.
But here are a few questions and answers to other information you may wish to be informed about to support your organisation.
Who are they? They are communications people volunteering their time to help community organisations with a communications boost. Their services are free, and they are 100 percent volunteer run, from the matchmaking and workshop presenters, through to the communications experts who they match you with.
What do they do? They are a matchmaking service which involves learning what kind of communications support your community organisation might need, then matching you with one of the collective of volunteers who has the right skills for that particular job.
Who do they work with? We at Volunteering New Plymouth have had the privilege of having utilised the services of the wonderful Gemma, who recently completed an assessment on our website. Bringing our attention to a number of modifications that will enhance our visibility and useability going forward.
Others who have benefitted from the services of the collective in a variety of ways are Volunteering Auckland, Wellington Access Radio, Pregnancy Help Inc, Neighbourhood Support New Zealand, Hospice New Zealand, KIDZ NEED DADZ, CAB - Citizens Advice Bureau, Cancer Society, Age Concern New Zealand to name a few organisations that you may recognise.
Where are they operating? This is a nationwide service and they welcome requests from all over Aotearoa. They also run workshops on communications topics, usually in person in Wellington, but can record these for the benefit of those around the regions. Their website is packed to the brim with resources across related topics such as media relations, branding, and social media. This is also where they have amazing templates and information on how to improve your communications. So, no matter where you are in the country, you can seek their support.
Where can you learn more? If you are interested in learning more about Community Comms Collective, visit communitycomms.org.nz and listen to Access Radio on 1st December. This show is also available to listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast - to find these go the either Access Radio Taranaki website and these recordings can be found under Community or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.
Who can you contact?
If you are curious to learn more about what is involved and / or how you can get involved then contact Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Ph/Text: 022 571 4228 or Email: admin@vnp.nz. to take the next step.
Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!
If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Loading…
