Kia ora tatou. New research into loneliness in Aotearoa has just been published. It's
essential reading for policy makers and everybody in our disability community.
An updated version of the report Still Alone Together from the Helen Clark Foundation
now includes statistics on the loneliness felt by disabled people.
Many of you won't be surprised to know that more than 11% of disabled people reported feeling
lonely most or all of the time. In fact we are four times more likely to experience loneliness
than non-disabled people. In this updated report there is also vital context on the lived
experience of disabled people from Prudence Walker of the DPA and Jonathan Mosen from Workbridge.
We all know it's really horrible feeling lonely. Not only that,
it has serious negative effects on our physical and mental health ranging from
lack of sleep and raising of blood pressure through to anxiety, dementia and depression.
As the report says loneliness is a significant public health challenge. Disabled people every
day face barriers that exclude us from fully participating in our communities. In addition,
two key contributors, identified in the report as contributing to loneliness,
are disproportionately experienced by disabled people - that's unemployment and low income.
Employment brings social connection and also, as Jonathan points out, economic independence
and the opportunity to feel valued and purposeful. According to Stats NZ
just 24% of disabled people are employed compared to 72% of non-disabled people.
As Prudence explains low incomes coupled with the other barriers, such as inaccessible transport and
buildings, means many of us simply cannot afford to participate on an equal basis with non-disabled
people. I would also suggest that loneliness stats begin very early for disabled people.
That is when disabled children and young people are either excluded
from education, even in early childhood, or are bullied and isolated at school.
An inclusive education system that supports disabled young people to enjoy their rights
to reach their potential as valued members of their school community would be a great start.
There are six recommendations in the report to reduce loneliness and its effects including making
sure people have enough money so they can live with dignity and participate in their community.
Creating friendly streets and neighbourhoods which to me, and I know many of you, means accessible
transport, spaces, buildings and homes, and thirdly prioritising services and
supports for those most at risk of being lonely, which includes disabled people.
You can find the report from the Helen Clark Foundation on its website and read more about
this. This is really incredibly critical reading for all of us and finally I want to
acknowledge Prudence and Jonathan's insightful contribution to the report. Nga mihi nui.