“Our communities are only as strong as the people who live in them, which is why Neighbour Day provides a chance to pause, reflect and celebrate the people who live around us.” – Andrew Heslop, Neighbour Day Ambassador
On Sunday 27th March, Relationships Australia’s Neighbour Day is proud to have been connecting communities for the past 20 years. Originating in 2002, in recognition of the impact that loneliness, and lack of social connection has on individuals as well as communities, Neighbour Day has evolved into an annual celebration of respectful relationships and strong communities.
Connecting with people outside of your family and friends is important for tackling loneliness. Loneliness can affect anyone, at any time throughout their lives, and addressing loneliness is everybody’s business. Over the last three years, loneliness and social connections have only been amplified and significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Residents across Ingenia Gardens are encouraged to reach out and make sustainable connections with those around them through participating in community activities and our ACTIVATE lifestyle program. Additionally, residents are also encouraged to registered for our ‘Friendship via Correspondence’ program where residents across states can participate and build friendships through an email, handwritten letter or phone call with another resident.
Research shows that in communities where people know each other, they experience better mental health, are safer, and are more resilient. Celebrating Neighbour Day is a practical and effective way to help address loneliness across our communities. So, let’s celebrate and work together to shift the tide and create the community we all want to live in, brimming with respectful relationships and connected individuals.
Our communities are celebrating Neighbour Day this year in a variety of ways and we can’t wait to share these with you!
What your organisation been doing were so beautiful and am so happy to hear about you guys and hopefully two years from now still affordable for me and my hubby.