1054 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
4 days ago

Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).

Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.

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Should employees be able to work from home?
  • 70.1% Yes
    70.1% Complete
  • 26.8% No
    26.8% Complete
  • 3.1% Other - I'll share below
    3.1% Complete
1821 votes
R
4 days ago

Central city

Ruth from Aro Valley

Was amused to see in the daily that an inner-city resident thought a Central Park would be good to have in Wellington. Not sure how wise it is to advertise its existence as I do appreciate its peace as opposed to the Botanical Gardens, but yes, we do have a large mature park by that name which is accessible by a shortish walk up Willis Street and onto Brooklyn Hill.

4 days ago

Local Builders for All Types of Work

Bear (Adam) from Minter-Webber Building

Hi There!

I've been lurking on Neighbourly for quite some time now, and I've yet to post. So here it is.

I'm a qualified licensed builder with a small team of tradesmen. We do all manner of residential building work, be it minor repairs or full house builds.

We thoroughly enjoy the work we do, and we aim to do the best we can every time.

Last year we were building three large townhouses near Waterloo Station, and this year we have built numerous decks, done some bathroom and kitchen renovations, a few roofing jobs and various maintenance work.

We are currently in the midst of a fairly complex renovation, and in the coming months we will be starting a large re-clad and window replace job and a new architectural house build.

Anyway, if you're looking for a builder or have any work you'd like to get done, feel free to get in touch.

Cheers!
Bear