Australians for Mental Health is calling on governments to prioritise social connections this World Mental Health Day, with this year's theme focussing on mental health responses in humanitarian emergencies.
"We know more regular and intense weather events are on the cards for Australians. We unfortunately come face-to-face with natural disasters too often. But connected, resilient communities look out for one another, which can help them recover more quickly after a crisis," Australians for Mental Health Chief Executive Chris Gambian said.
"We shouldn't just be focussing on people's wellbeing after a disaster hits. Connected communities with programs or social infrastructure in place to reduce loneliness are critical. That's why we need to invest in places and programs that bring people together before an emergency strikes," he said.
The New South Wales Nature Conservation Council's Hotspots Fire Project has proven preparing together before a disaster not only reduces risk, but strengthens social ties too.
In collaboration with the NSW RFS, the program runs education and training workshops that help locals better understand fire in their landscape.
"We set out to help people better prepare their properties and communities more broadly for fires. But building social connections has been a happy byproduct that we believe will strengthen any future responses to a disaster," Hotspots program ecologist Kevin Taylor said.
"Knowing your neighbour is about more than information sharing during a crisis. It's someone who understands, cares and is willing to be there when it's all over. That's powerful.
"The project also found being connected to nature and helping in its recovery from disasters also helped a community's social recovery," Mr Taylor said.
There is a growing body of evidence that social connection is a protective factor when it comes to mental health. Australians for Mental Health is urging governments to continue building public policies that improve social connection.
"Local councils are uniquely placed to create and help maintain social connections, whether that's by investing in public pools, libraries or intervention programs suited to their communities. They should be resourced to reduce loneliness in this way, and also measure their progress too," Chris Gambian said.
"Connection is not some nice-to-have. It's essential, and in the context of disasters, could be life-saving. If we back building stronger community connections, we back resilience and mental wellbeing," he said.
Australians for Mental Health is also calling on the Federal Government to put wellbeing at the centre of decision-making across portfolios. By taking a whole-of-government approach to wellbeing, we can ensure policies don't adversely affect mental health, but instead support it for all Australians.
