As we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10th, I’m excited to share some news about our Neighbours Every Day 2025 campaign and how it ties into the broader conversation about mental health in Australia.
The Power of Connection
This year’s World Mental Health Day theme resonates deeply with our work at Relationships Australia: “When it comes to mental health, meaningful connections matter.” This couldn’t align more perfectly with our Neighbours Every Day campaign.
Connections come in many forms – with loved ones, community, colleagues, and to support services. Each of our connections are a critical piece of the jigsaw puzzle that makes up the human experience. Where those connections are meaningful, respectful and supportive, they are critical enablers of our mental and physical well-being.
Launching Neighbours Every Day 2025
With this in mind, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our Neighbours Every Day 2025 campaign. Our annual day of action is set for Sunday, 30 March 2025, with the theme “Create, Share, Grow Belonging.”
Why is this so important? Our research shows that nearly one in three Australians report feeling lonely, with over 15% saying they often or always feel lonely. Even more concerning, young people aged 18-24 are the most likely to experience frequent loneliness.
The mental health consequences of loneliness cannot be overstated. Chronic loneliness has been linked to a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and increased stress levels. It can also exacerbate existing mental health conditions. Moreover, loneliness doesn’t just affect our mental health – it can have physical consequences too, potentially leading to weakened immune systems, cardiovascular problems, and even shortened lifespans. By addressing loneliness through community connection, we’re not just improving social wellbeing – we’re potentially saving lives.
The Mental Health Connection
Here’s where the link between our campaign and mental health becomes clear. When people engage with their communities, they experience improved mental well-being and reduced loneliness. In fact, our studies show that Neighbour Day participants experience significantly lower levels of loneliness compared to the general population.
Nearly 65% of participants report improved mental health outcomes, particularly during challenging times. This is crucial as we navigate a world where loneliness is increasingly recognized as a serious public health issue.
What’s particularly exciting about Neighbours Every Day is its efficiency. Our research reveals that it costs less than a fifth of the average spend on initiatives that improve quality of life years. This makes it a highly cost-effective way to combat loneliness and enhance Australians’ health and relationships.
How You Can Get Involved
As we mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, and look ahead to Neighbour Day on 30 March 2025, I encourage everyone to think about how they can create, share, and grow belonging in their communities. Whether it’s hosting a BBQ, organizing a street party, or simply reaching out to someone new, every action contributes to building more resilient and supportive neighbourhoods.
Remember, this isn’t just about one day – it’s about fostering a culture of connection that sustains us throughout the year. By embracing genuine inclusion and connection, we challenge ourselves to engage with empathy and compassion.
Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote rural area, your participation matters. Let’s commit to strengthening our communities and supporting each other’s mental health. Together, we can create a country where respectful relationships and strong communities support us all
Join us for Neighbour Day 2025 to celebrate and strengthen our communities! For more information and to get involved, visit neighbourseveryday.org
Remember, when it comes to mental health, meaningful connections truly do matter. Let’s connect, support each other, and build a mentally healthier Australia together.