News

Loneliness is often described as a quiet ache, but in recent years, it has become a loud and pressing public health issue. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, loneliness is linked to serious consequences including poor physical health, psychological distress, and even premature death. It is a challenge that many Australians face, particularly young adults and our older generations.

However, there is a powerful and practical way to push back against this trend. Volunteering, particularly in palliative care, offers a unique opportunity to tackle loneliness from two sides at once. It helps the person receiving the support, and it enriches the life of the person giving it.

The First Side: Supporting Those in Need

For many older Australians, ageing is a time of significant transition. The 2024 Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW survey revealed a sobering reality: three out of five respondents reported feeling lonely, while many felt they were no longer valued by society.

Loneliness in later life is often triggered by loss. This might be the loss of a partner, the loss of a workplace social network after retirement, or a decrease in mobility that makes getting out of the house a struggle. In palliative care, these feelings can be even more intense as individuals navigate life-limiting illnesses.

When a palliative care volunteer walks through the door, they are doing much more than providing a service. They are proving to that individual that they are still seen, still heard, and still valued. By offering a compassionate presence, volunteers help break the cycle of isolation for those who may feel they have no one else to rely on.

The Second Side: The Benefits of Giving

While the impact on the client is clear, the research into how volunteering affects the volunteer is just as compelling. Volunteering Australia suggests that giving our time is associated with improved mental health, higher self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction.

When we volunteer, we shift our focus outward. This shift is transformative. A recent study of older adults showed that those who contributed just two hours a week to volunteering saw significant improvements in their social networks and a reduction in their own levels of stress and loneliness. For many, volunteering provides a sense of purpose and a vital connection to the community that might otherwise be missing. It is a way to stay active, meet like-minded people, and build a social safety net of our own.

Creating a Compassionate Community

Palliative care volunteering is about reaching the people who need support the most, often at the most vulnerable time of their lives. By becoming a volunteer, you are not just helping one person; you are helping to build a more compassionate community for everyone.

Whether you are looking to find a new sense of purpose or you want to ensure that no one in your neighbourhood faces their journey alone, volunteering is a powerful place to start. It reminds us that human connection is the best medicine we have for loneliness. By sharing even a small amount of your time, you can help create a world where everyone feels valued and supported. Find your nearest volunteer service here.

For a more in-depth think piece, read Volunteering, an antidote to loneliness: Practical pathways to connection written by Volunteering NSW.