The Serious Stuff

At The Social Local Collective, we’re passionate about what we do because the research is clear—staying socially connected isn’t just good for your mental health, it’s crucial for your physical health too! Some studies even suggest it’s more important than diet and exercise. Yet in Australia, we’re still catching up in recognizing just how vital social connection is. Did you know the UK has had a Minister for Loneliness since 2018? It’s time we take this just as seriously.

We’ve included links to some of the latest research here if you would like to learn more:

http://www.endingloneliness.com.au

Key Findings: 1/3 of Australians are lonely, with 1 in 6 of us reporting we are severely lonely!

38% of 18-24 year olds say they are often or always lonely

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-07/ending-loneliness-together-finds-33-per-cent-australians-lonely/102678790?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericwood/2025/02/07/applying-the-surgeon-generals-parting-prescription-to-colleges/#:~:text=Vivek%20Murthy%20released%20a%20report,disease%2C%20depression%2C%20and%20anxiety.

https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/social-isolation-and-loneliness 

http://www..who.int

https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/facts-and-statistics/