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1030 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

LIVE Q&A: Financial well-being with Cat Rikihana

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Today (Wednesday) we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Cat Rikihana who is a financial mentor, educator and financial capability practitioner at Financial Freedom Trust in the Manawatū.

Cat Rikihana (Ngai Tahu) like many financial mentors around Aotearoa, works with individuals, groups and whānau to successfully navigate financial stress and hardship. Mentors work alongside whānau to increase confidence and skills in personal money management and advocate with and for clients. Cat enjoys delivering online and face-to-face workshops which provide opportunities to normalise money conversations and encourages people to make time to consider their financial well-being.

Cat is also an independent financial well-being coach, educator and indigenous life coach at Restore Wellness Network. She is a published writer and currently in the process of writing her first non-fiction book: 'A financial self-care guide for women in Aotearoa.'

She'd love to answer any questions you may have around your budgeting and spending habits, strategies for saving, retirement planning and debt. (Don't be shy, but be mindful about what you disclose!)

↓ Share your questions now and Cat will reply to your comment below ↓

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4 days ago

Poll: Have you ever had a scary flight?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A plane flying from Christchurch to Wellington on Sunday had smoke billowing out of the engine and upon landing, passengers had to open the emergency exit and jump out. Have you had any scary flying experiences?

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Have you ever had a scary flight?
  • 57% Yes!
    57% Complete
  • 43% No, it's always been smooth flying
    43% Complete
558 votes
4 hours ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Wellington

AEA member blog posts.

AEA members have a wide range of Addictive Eating experiences and have found sobriety in AEA through coming to meetings and working the Twelve Steps. Read our member's experiences of the changes in them after coming into AEA.

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