Band Of Brothers Qld Inc

Recent Australian research shows that 1 in 3 people suffer from loneliness, irrespective of age, gender or demographic group. Poor mental and physical health outcomes are a result, often resulting in suicide attempts even amongst the 18-24 age group. Unfortunately, because of social stigma associated with loneliness, about half of those people say they would try to conceal it. In our local area, this means there are well over 25000 people needing to connect back into the community.

Our Cancel Loneliness initiative is a result of nearly two years of developing a pilot programme, which we are now upscaling to the greater community. We have identified the need to target the friends, workmates and relations of lonely people and get them to care and take action.
The key areas are:

• NOTICE – recognising the signs of loneliness.
• NUDGE – breaking the ice about loneliness.
• NAME IT – Finding the space to talk to them about it. In itself a game changer.
• NOTIFY – with their permission, referring them to us.

We will then give them a weekly telephone call and, through friendship, goal setting and encouragement, facilitate them to engage with a community group they will enjoy. Our website offers a toolkit for local businesses and other organisations. Our Community Advocates represent the front line in identifying and helping lonely people. Our trained volunteers are key to our success in bringing change to our community.

WEBSITE