Let’s end loneliness together – one connection at a time

ARTICLE
1 August 2024 dot 3 mins read
One small moment of meaningful connection can let someone know they're not alone.
1 in 3 Australians feel lonely. The good news is helping end loneliness doesn't need to be complicated or costly. A small moment of human connection can make a difference.
 
This Loneliness Awareness Week (5-11 August), we're encouraging our partners to join our mission to end loneliness by pledging to share a moment of meaningful connection with someone in their workplace or community.
 
Anyone can visit the AIA website to make their free pledge and share #EndingLonelinessTogether
Evidence shows the correlation between loneliness and the impacts on wellbeing which includes physical and mental wellbeing [1]. 
 
AIA Mental Health claims payments have increased by 72% since 2019[2] with 50% of mental health claims due to stress or anxiety-related issues.
 
Our AIA Embrace program can provide valuable support to your members experiencing mental health issues: 
Mind Coach
 
This health coaching program is offered to all members suffering from anxiety or depression (including both a primary mental health condition or secondary to a physical condition). It uses cognitive behavioural therapy strategies to help customers handle the challenges they're facing. The program steps customers through the Medicare system to access psychological treatment when required.
RESTORE mental health
 
Our holistic, tailor-made wellness program is designed to assist customers with mental health conditions to reduce their symptoms, improve their overall wellbeing, and to ultimately, rebuild work readiness.
Our AIA Vitality members also have access to the AIA Vitality Mental Wellbeing Benefit, providing a variety of mental wellbeing tools, services and information designed to help build mental fitness, while earning up to 6,200 AIA Vitality Points.
Upcoming Webinar: Creating Meaningful Social Connection in the Workplace
Absenteeism caused by loneliness cost Australian businesses a staggering $24.2 billion* in lost productivity during 2022!
 
Understanding the value of fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, this Loneliness Awareness Week we invite you to learn about the importance of employees feeling socially connected in the workplace.
 
Associate Professor Michelle Lim of Ending Loneliness Together, will cover:
 
  • The research around the importance of social connection for workplaces
  • The potential benefits of time spent in the office, particularly in a hybrid working world, and how to manage doing this successfully
  • Exclusive launch offer to Ending Loneliness Togethers new training program "Creating Meaningful Social Connection in the Workplace."
Loneliness Awareness Week 5-11 August
Together with our partners, Ending Loneliness Together, we’re aiming to normalise conversations about feeling lonely and encouraging people to create a culture of connection at home, work and community.
 
Sometimes, feelings of loneliness can last longer than you expect, or become difficult to manage. We understand that loneliness may not be easily resolved for many people, including those with accessibility issues due to age, health, location, and financial hardship.
 
If you need support or someone to talk to, you may find one of these helplines useful.
 
  • Lifeline (13 11 14)
  • Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636)
  • 13YARN (13 92 76)
  • MensLine (1300 78 99 78)
  • Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800)
  • Griefline (1300 845 745)
  • 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
  • Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)
For tailored mental health support, contact your GP for a referral under the Better Access Initiative.
 
References
 
  1. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/social-isolation-and-loneliness
  2. AIA Claims statistics 2019-2023