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Social connection

Cover of the MAV Belonging Matters report Loneliness and social disconnection are now among the most urgent public health challenges facing communities across the world. Despite billions spent on mental health services, demand continues to rise, with loneliness alone costing the Australian economy an estimated $2.7 billion annually. Communities where people feel safe, included and connected experience higher wellbeing, less distress and dramatically lower suicide rates, and this is what we should be aiming for.

MAV’s Belonging Matters – the Social Connection Report outlines how councils already deliver the community infrastructure and programs that foster belonging - libraries, neighbourhood houses, recreation centres, youth programs, community events, active transport networks and more. But critical gaps remain between national/state strategies and the untapped potential of local communities.

Belonging Matters – The Social Connection Report:

The MAV is calling for:

  • A minimum 5% of national and state health budgets to be directed to ill-health prevention
  • A Community Cohesion Action Fund for grassroots local initiatives
  • A Local Issues, Local Solutions program to combat misinformation and build trust
  • A Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund to strengthen places where people connect
  • Local government’s role to be acknowledged and recognised in national arrangements, including the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement and the National Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Strategy currently under development
  • Expansion of the Victorian Social Inclusion Action Groups initiative recommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

“Local, place-based infrastructure and social connections for wellbeing is there - deep and wide community networks facilitated by councils, local services and facilities such as public libraries, recreation centres, parks and community centres. But if people aren’t linked to these through programs that foster participation, interaction and engagement, the community can’t experience the full benefits of social connection, belonging, and collective resilience”
– MAV President, Cr Jennifer Anderson.

For further information contact: inquiries@mav.asn.au.