One in four Geelong residents feels lonely, but Geelong's Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) is determined to change that.
The SIAG commissioned the Belonging in Geelong: A Social Inclusion Needs Analysis which identifies solutions to tackle loneliness and create a future where everyone feels safe, welcome and connected.
The new report is shaped by a vision for a city where people know each other, where neighbours look out for one another and connection is celebrated. Local organisations and community groups working on inclusion are invited to attend the report's launch on Monday 27 April to connect with SIAG members, with free tickets available.
The research will guide City services, support advocacy for funding and help build partnerships with health, wellbeing and social inclusion organisations.
The analysis found loneliness is higher among young people, people with disability, unpaid carers, single parents, LGBTQIA+ people, migrants and people living in disadvantaged suburbs.
Life transitions such as starting a new job, experiencing a health issue, the end of a relationship or moving to a new neighbourhood can also affect connection, as well as:
- Transport - lack of accessible buses, unreliable public transport and hard to reach community centres.
- Inaccessible spaces - poor design, heavy doors, lack of ramps and spaces that aren't sensory-friendly.
- Stigma and discrimination - feeling judged or unwelcome because of age, disability, cultural background or identity, including in schools, workplaces or community groups.
- Digital barriers - lack of internet access, complex online forms and low skill levels for using devices and digital services.
- Unreliable programs - services that don't fit people's needs, are inconsistent or end unexpectedly.
- Personal challenges - poor health, caring responsibilities, trauma and language barriers can make joining in harder.
Often, people face several barriers at once and need extra support to participate.
The report identifies a range of supports to help people feel included, such as affordable housing, reliable public transport, action on discrimination, programs designed for local needs and free or low-cost programs.
The good news is that social exclusion is preventable. When people are connected, they join local sporting clubs, visit libraries, attend community events and look out for their neighbours. A more connected Greater Geelong is a healthier, safer and more vibrant one for everyone.
To make that vision a reality, the SIAG recommends:
- Investing in long-term programs and proven initiatives, not short-term fixes
- Making information about local connection opportunities easy to find, in simple and accessible formats
- Co-designing programs with users and including diverse voices in decision-making
- Creating welcoming and accessible spaces and designing with inclusion from the start
- Celebrating differences through festivals and cultural events, and recognising all identities
- Focusing support on those most at risk.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Belonging needs to be part of everyday life.It's unacceptable that 25 per cent of our residents feel lonely, with even higher rates for specific groups.
Barriers to belonging can compound and further isolate these communities.
Social exclusion is preventable. We know that when people feel included, their health and wellbeing improve and the community is stronger.
This research will help guide Council funding for accessible community spaces and programs, as well as our advocacy to state and federal governments and other organisations.
Councillor Rowan Story AM, RFD
Supported by the City, our Social Inclusion Action Group is made up of people who have experienced loneliness and want to help improve things for others in similar situations.Thank you for your passion in getting to the bottom of what's driving isolation in our region and what we need to do to tackle it.
SIAGs are a collaboration between state and local governments as a response to the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System .
