A recent report by researchers at the University of Sydney found that 43 per cent – or two in five – of Australians aged between 15 to 25 were lonely, with one in seven experiencing persistent loneliness that had lasted more than two years.
Key findings from the report included:
more than two in five young Australians feel lonely
one in four experience episodic loneliness
one in seven experience persistent loneliness lasting at least two years
18- to 25-year-olds are more likely to be persistently lonely compared to 15- to 17-year-olds.
What causes loneliness?
A range of factors can make a person more likely to feel lonely. These include having poor physical health and mental health – which can double (or more) the likelihood of persistent loneliness among young people – as well as socioeconomic and behavioural factors.
The public health consequences of loneliness
In Australia, the economic burden of loneliness is estimated at almost $3 billion a year for associated healthcare costs including GP and hospital visits. Additional costs are also likely to include lower workforce productivity and reduced educational outcomes.
The World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Connection recently released a report pointing to loneliness as a public health, social, community and economic issue.
Loneliness Awareness Week 2026
Loneliness Awareness Week Australia will take place from 3 to 9 August 2026. This year’s theme, Make Room for Connection, is a reminder that connection doesn’t happen by accident – it grows in the spaces and opportunities we intentionally create for one another.
The Loneliness Awareness Week website has a toolkit of ideas for helping to create connections and beat loneliness. These include:
Expanding your circle by inviting someone new to something you already do
Hosting an event or activity that brings people together
- Practicing everyday room-making such as team lunches, waving to your neighbours, being curious in conversations.
How Flourish Australia can help
Flourish Australia is community mental health service and registered NDIS provider that specialises in providing tailored peer-led support. We can help you find community and make new friends, put you in touch with people and opportunities to expand your social circle, and much more. We can also offer assistance with things like day-to-day living, employment and housing.
Examples of how we can help include:
Our Community in Motion program, which supports people living with complex mental health challenges to engage in physical activity in ways that feel safe, inclusive and achievable.
- Inclusive Employment Australia is a free, Australian Government‑funded program delivered by Flourish. It’s designed to support people with disability, injury, or physical or mental health challenges to prepare for, find and keep meaningful work.
You can also check out our article on the mental health benefits of community, including tips for how to find your people and build a community.
Being part of the Flourish Australia family is a great way to make new friends, try new things and get more involved with your local community. Connect with us to start feeling less isolated. To find out more about how we can help, contact us on 1300 779 270 or here.
Talk to us today
For more information, contact us on 1300 779 270 or make an enquiry now.
