As more of society becomes reliant on digital forms of connection, there is a concern that the true impact of loneliness remains sadly unseen.

For this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week from 4-10 August, the theme is ‘Moments Matter’, encouraging young people to make meaningful moments with those close to them.

In the Kiama region, services such as SENTRAL Youth Centre and headspace provide a safe haven for young people, providing programs and guidance to manage loneliness.

Headspace provides specific services to young people with Shellharbour and Kiama service manager Charo Serventy explaining the benefits to the local community.

“At headspace we aim to make it easier for young people to get the support they need during tough times,” Serventy said.

“We offer counselling, peer support, dietitian support, plus social and support groups. We are always free, and are flexible providing sessions at headspace, local schools, and out in the community.”

For those who are noticing changes with their young ones and unsure how to approach this, Serventy passed on some advice on how to negate these sometimes-difficult situations.

“Unfortunately taking that first step can feel daunting, especially for someone feeling isolated,” Serventy said.

“Often, a simple invitation to try something new together can make all the difference.

“Loneliness can be easy to miss, and even harder to speak up about.

“That’s why it matters to notice, to be bold and to reach out not just to help, but to genuinely connect. Even more powerful is to ask them to help us take that first step.”

SENTRAL Youth Centre, a Kiama Municipal Council initiative, offers a welcoming space where young people can connect, unwind, and explore new interests in a safe environment.

When asked what some of the benefits provided to the community, a Council spokesperson explained that the service provides not only a safe space to connect for young people, but a range of activities and events.

“SENTRAL Youth Service is a vibrant space where young people can connect, unwind, and explore new interests in a safe and supportive environment,” a spokesperson said.

“Through our free drop-in youth centre sessions, exciting school holiday programs, and creative activities like music events and tabletop gaming, we offer young people opportunities to build friendships, discover their strengths, and feel a real sense of belonging within the community.”

Sentral Youth Service sees itself as an aid to loneliness among the youth, offering a pathway out of loneliness.

“Combating loneliness and isolation is one aspect of what we do. We know that adolescence can be a challenging time, and not every young person finds it easy to make social connections,” a spokesperson said.

“That’s why we have built a service that offers regular, welcoming spaces where young people can simply show up, be themselves, and feel supported.”

SENTRAL Youth Service and headspace often collaborate with activities such as monthly Dungeons and Dragons afternoons.

In August last year, the NSW Parliament Standing Committee on Social Issues established an inquiry into the prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness in NSW with a report released at the beginning of this month.

In the 169-page report, Dr. Murray Wright PSM, Chief Psychiatrist, NSW Health, told the inquiry: “There’s no doubt that loneliness can impact on physical and mental health, but it’s important to see this as a whole of community issue. The solutions lie in enhancing social connections across all agencies and organisations.”

In November 2021, the estimated economic cost of loneliness in Australia for individuals had the annual cost of $1565 for each person who becomes lonely.

Martin Blake, Chair, the Groundswell Foundation called for the inquiry and report to make the appropriate changes.

“The time for awareness has passed, what we need now is coordinated, sustained action,” Blake said.

“This report provides a clear, evidence-based roadmap to tackle loneliness not just at the individual level, but through systemic changes in how we support communities.”

Last week the Federal government passed the further legislation delaying access for young Australians to social media platforms with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese maintaining a stern stance.

“Social media has a social responsibility and there is no doubt that Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms, so I am calling time on it,” Prime Minister Albanese said.

“Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.”

For more information on SENTRAL Youth Service, head to: https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Services/People-and-community/SENTRAL-Youth-Services

For more information on headspace Kiama, head to: https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/kiama/

If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.