Submission: Inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation

ACTCOSS’ submission into the Inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation in the ACT outlined key concerns related to the substantial impact that poverty has on loneliness and social isolation. ACTCOSS advocates that policy change needs to occur to reduce poverty and create understanding and supported pathways out of poverty to assist and support those groups most at risk of experiencing adverse outcomes from poverty such as loneliness and isolation. ACTCOSS made recommendations relating to increasing funding for community sector services, strengthening community sector workforce capacity, expanding and promoting the ACT Community Directory, strengthening local community building, developing  an action plan for building community connectedness, planning and the built environment, housing, transport, improving data collection, improving supports in education settings and social prescribing.