Millions of Aussies feel lonely at Christmas: Red Cross

For some, Christmas is a dark and depressing time of year. SOURCE: Supplied

While Christmas time brings happiness and joy for most, spare a thought for those spending the festive season on their own. 

The Australian Red Cross is calling on residents in the Peel Region to reach out to their neighbours, work colleagues and other acquaintances who may be feeling lonely or isolated at this time of year. 

It comes as a new survey reveals 5.6 million Australians feel lonely most of the time, or on a regular basis.

Some are the last surviving member of their family, while others simply have no friends to turn to or suffer from medical conditions that take away their festive spirit.

Australian Red Cross CEO Judy Slatyer said the charity decided to launch the Season of Belonging because they believe nobody should be alone at Christmas.

“We support thousands of people who are lonely and socially isolated every day through programs such as regular phone calls, driving patients to hospital and visiting people in their homes." she said.

"All it takes is one person to reach out and brighten up a person’s life with one of our easy steps," she said.

  FIVE WAYS TO STOP LONELINESS

  • Meet your neighbours
  • Volunteer
  • Say hello to someone new in your neighbourhood
  • Check on someone who may be in trouble
  • Be kind on social media
DATA: Australian Red Cross Loneliness Survey - Mevcorp 2017

Males and females aged 18 to 34 and people in metropolitan Australia are significantly more likely to feel lonely as the result of isolation at work or school.

Males from 18 to 34 are more likely than any other demographic to feel lonely almost all the time or quite often.

“Even a simple phone call or an invitation to Christmas dinner can make the world of difference for some." Ms Slatyer added. 

Be part of the Season of Belonging or make a donation at redcross.org.au/act or by phoning 1800 733 276 (1800 RED CROSS).

 

 

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