22/06/2026
Loneliness is increasingly being recognised as a public health issue, not simply an individual problem.
Our Director and Clinical Psychologist, Olivia Clayton, recently spoke with news.com.au about the rise in loneliness among young adults, particularly the challenges faced by people who have moved away from home, relocated to a new community, or are trying to build a life and social network from scratch.
The article explores the lasting impact of COVID, changing social patterns, and the reality that many people – including expats and those moving to regional communities for work – can find themselves feeling disconnected despite being surrounded by others.
One of the key messages Olivia shared is that loneliness is far more common than many people realise. Feeling disconnected does not mean there is something wrong with you, and meaningful connection is still possible.
As humans, we are wired for connection. Building friendships and finding a sense of belonging often takes time, vulnerability and repeated opportunities to show up.
This conversation feels particularly relevant in regional communities like ours, where many people are newcomers, seasonal workers, or living away from family and long-standing support networks.
You can read the article here:
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/mental-health/why-your-20s-in-australia-can-be-the-loneliest-era-of-your-life/news-story/51a828112461ad0a14a0cd7d60aa9cd0
Australia is one of the best countries in the world, and has many foreigners eager to move here.
