Help us to "Light up Loneliness" by encouraging your local council to get involved.
Loneliness is a growing issue for Kiwis of all ages. But the good news is, that it is solvable!
The NZ Coalition to End Loneliness is running a ‘Light up loneliness’ campaign this month to raise awareness and encourage action on loneliness across Aotearoa.
The New Zealand Coalition to End Loneliness is a growing group of non-profit organisations, businesses and researchers working together to end loneliness for individuals, in communities, and at workplaces in New Zealand.
They are now calling on Local Government to help them “Light up loneliness”.
“Imagine if every Mayor and Council across New Zealand helped promote the “Lets End Loneliness” website and made tackling loneliness a priority, using their own local community resources,” says Stephanie Clare, Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive.
“It would be a gamechanger. Taking this issue out of the shadows, reducing the stigma and shame, and giving it light is the aim of the campaign” she says.
Social connection is a key factor for healthy, prosperous people, communities, and workplaces, but loneliness in New Zealand is increasing. In the March 2021 quarter 18.4% of New Zealanders felt lonely most, all or some of the time, up from 16.6% in 2018, and 13.9% in 2014.
“Many of us have experienced loneliness at some time in our lives and we know that feels horrible, but it can be addressed and solved. Together we can end loneliness for New Zealanders who feel isolated” says Sam Johnson, Founder and Chief Executive of Student Volunteer Army.
The letsendloneliness.co.nz website provides information on tackling loneliness and where to get help, as well as up-to-date news and research.
“The website is designed as a source of information which also links people to support services. We challenge every Local Council in New Zealand to create a link on their own websites to letsendloneliness.co.nz” says Sam Johnson.
The recent COVID-19 lockdown highlights that everyone can feel isolated and lonely. Catherine Hall, Chief Executive of Alzheimers New Zealand believes everyone should feel safe, supported, loved, and connected.
“Sadly, people often find family, whānau and friends take a step back just when they need them most. We stand alongside our coalition partners and with all New Zealanders, to make sure no one feels alone.”
Help light up loneliness! The campaign is not just for councils. Anyone can create a link to the letsendloneliness.co.nz or post a mention through social media channels to support the ‘Light up loneliness’ campaign.
Together we can end loneliness, one person, one community, one workplace at a time.
Proposed parking meters down Main Road, Tawa
Copied from a Facebook post: Your Voice Counts On The Proposal For Paid Parking
Wellington City Council (WCC) have opened their consultation on the Long-Term Plan. This runs from Friday 12 April to midnight Sunday 12 May 2024. It is advised that you read the consultation document as it covers important decisions on Water, Waste, Investments and other key proposals, one of which is a proposal to introduce paid parking in the suburbs. You can find further information and a submission form here: www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz...... Please remember to be kind in your submissions – councillors are more likely to respond to positive and well-defined responses. Tawa Business Group has heard plenty of people who are strongly against introducing paid parking and we want to make sure that WCC hears your voices too. These stories may help you with your submission.
• These are already difficult times with the high cost of living and an increasing number of local redundancies, this is an extra charge that people cannot afford.
• The suburbs should not be subsidising the income shortfall from removing car parks in the CBD. Money raised in the suburbs should be used for local investment.
• Tawa has a different demographic than the CBD. Many older and less able people rely on the services that the suburb provides and being able to park easily and directly outside their destination is important for them being able to leave their homes and reduce feelings of isolation.
• The proposal for paid parking does not follow the 2020 Parking policy that says that paid parking will be introduced if occupancy is often over 85%, turnover is low and non-compliance is high.
Our three Northern ward Councillors all voted against the proposal in February but they lost on a vote of 10:7. Councillors changed their minds about reducing hours in swimming pools and libraries so they can change their minds about this too BUT only if you submit your feedback. The more submissions we make, the less likely it is to happen.
Potted colour
Express yourself with this artistic dip-dye paint effect using Resene paints. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Turn downsizing stress into strength
Downsizing can open the door to a new stage of your life that is rich in opportunity. However, it can be a daunting prospect. If you are embarking on a new chapter of life, the thought of shedding familiar possessions can feel even more stressful. This can be true even if the life changes are a good thing, such as a move to somewhere you will love to live.
Once you understand why you have this feeling, you can reframe it as creating a new environment that will support your present life while reminding you of your best experiences.
Click read more for the full article.
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