Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW) has welcomed new research which has highlighted the need for greater support with loneliness on the rise in younger people and more Australians saying ‘I don’t’ to marriage.
RANSW CEO Elisabeth Shaw said the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey shows that Australia’s relationship landscape is changing rapidly and government funding of support services must keep up.
“This survey is a welcome step in shining a spotlight on the issues a growing number of Australians are dealing with daily, but sadly it comes as no surprise,” Ms Shaw said.
“Loneliness isn’t limited to the elderly. We have been investigating the incidence and impact of loneliness over the past five years and the reality is more young people who seem to be well connected, including those in relationships are struggling, which affects physical and mental health at significant social cost.
“Relationship dynamics are changing. This survey shows that fewer people are choosing marriage, and we know that those in de facto relationships are also more likely to separate – but these aren’t the only groups feeling relationship strain.
“Couples with children under 5 years of age and single parents are all more likely to experience stress and loneliness, so there needs to be a greater focus on support for families on both parenting and relationships.
“Our latest shows that when people reach out and get help with their relationships, their satisfaction and well-being improve dramatically.
“Governments must increase funding and support for core relationship services like counselling.
“These services are essential for people who need help, and the evidence shows they make a substantial difference.
“Now more than ever we need to increase the support available to keep people connected through strong relationships.”
RANSW is one of the largest providers of counselling and family relationship services in NSW.
