Loneliness is common yet misunderstood. You may think of it as being alone, not having many friends, or simply going through a quiet patch socially but according to Associate Professor Michelle Lim, CEO and Scientific Chair of Ending Loneliness Together, Australia’s peak body addressing loneliness, loneliness is far more complex than this.
“Loneliness is the distress you feel when your social needs are not being met.”
It’s not about the number of people around you. It’s about whether your relationships feel safe, supportive and meaningful.
And for young people around the world, that distress is becoming increasingly common.
Loneliness is a global priority, affecting young people at alarming rates
Last year, Ending Loneliness Together’s research report found two in five young people 15- 25 years old feel lonely at any given time, and a concerning one in seven are staying lonely for long periods. Young people are reporting some of the highest levels of loneliness across the lifespan.
Further landmark studies by Australia’s peak body, such as their 2023 State of the Nation report and 2024 Why We Feel Lonely report, highlight that loneliness is not confined to one age, culture or community.
While we all may feel lonely from time to time, loneliness becomes a serious issue when it is persistent.
“It’s natural for young people to feel lonely at times. Adolescence is full of transitions - changing schools, shifting friendships, identity formation. But when loneliness stretches over weeks, months or even years, it can deeply impact mental health, wellbeing, and a young person’s sense of belonging. Persistent loneliness is linked to anxiety, depression, reduced academic engagement and poorer physical health outcomes. It is not a ‘soft’ issue. It is a public health issue requiring awareness and action.” says Associate Professor Lim.
That’s why Ending Loneliness Together’s work extends beyond research, bringing together leaders and expertise across lived experience, education, academia, community, corporate, health and government - to advocate for evidence-informed investments needed to strengthen social connection and reduce loneliness across Australia.
“One of the first steps toward practical, scalable action is increasing understanding in our community. That’s why we launched Australia’s first ever Loneliness Awareness Week in 2023, with a specific focus on young people last year.”
Not all connection is healthy
One of the most important insights Associate Professor Lim shares is that connection itself is not automatically positive.
“Young people may be surrounded by other young people, yet still feel profoundly lonely. They may be experiencing bullying, exclusion or unhealthy online interactions. These forms of ‘connections’ can actually deepen distress, rather than alleviate it.”
For connection to be healthy, it must meet our fundamental human need: to feel seen, valued and understood. For young people, especially those navigating complex social environments, safe and supportive relationships matter enormously. This is where intentional connection – the kind built on empathy, trust and consistency – becomes transformative.
Why connection matters
At Raise, we see firsthand the difference one safe, trusted adult relationship can make in a young person’s life. Ending Loneliness Together’s research reminds us that fleeting social contact is not enough to protect against persistent loneliness. What matters is meaningful, ongoing connection that meets emotional and social needs.
Mentoring is one powerful way to do exactly that.
When a young person is matched with a trained volunteer mentor, they are given something incredibly valuable: consistent time, focused attention and a safe space to talk. Over time, this relationship can reduce feelings of loneliness and help young people build the skills and confidence to form healthy connections in other areas of their lives.
A collective responsibility
Associate Professor Lim stresses that reducing loneliness is not the responsibility of young people alone. It’s on all of us to do our bit.
“Loneliness is a global challenge as stated by World Health Organization Commission to Social Connection landmark report in 2023. But making meaningful social connection is also a collective opportunity.”
On 17 June 2026, Raise will launch National Day of Connection, a day dedicated to creating moments of connections across all generations. Through connection we can build thriving communities where we all feel seen and valued.
This is more than a symbolic moment. It’s a call to action.
National Day of Connection invites people of all ages to pause and take the time to make meaningful connections. That could be as simple as checking in on a friend, sharing a coffee with a colleague, smiling at a neighbour, or starting a conversation that goes beyond “How are you?” to “How are you really going?”
On National Day of Connection, we are reminded that small, intentional actions matter. When we prioritise safe, healthy relationships across families, schools, workplaces, and communities, we create the space for everyone to thrive.
Connection isn’t just a nice idea. It’s essential.
Find out more about National Day of Connection: nationaldayofconnection.org.au
Find out more about the work of Ending Loneliness Together: endingloneliness.com.au
Learn more about Loneliness Awareness Week, held 3-9 August 2026: lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au
