A new social venture has been launched to develop solutions that ignite human connection and reduce the stigma of loneliness. Spark: Igniting Human Connection is a community-academic collaboration between The University of South Australia and The Hut Community Centre, and now has new Spark programs launching across the community to increase connection.

The World Health Organisation has declared loneliness to be a global health epidemic.  One in three Australian’s report that they feel lonely, and although it’s common, almost half of those who experience loneliness are too embarrassed to admit to others that they have these feelings (Ending Loneliness Together State of the Nation Report).

People who are lonely are 42% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (and twice as likely to die from it), have 76% higher risk for stroke, twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and over 4 times the risk of depression.  Loneliness and social isolation have clear links with critical physical and mental health outcomes.

Spark is calling for help from men of all ages to complete a short survey, seeking the perspectives, ideas, and experiences from men of all ages.  The responses will contribute to new solutions and programs being created by Spark to inspire mateship and increase connection between men.

To find out more about Spark you can connect through Spark Connection Facebook page or sign up to the Spark newsletter.

The Spark Men’s Co-Design Project is supported by an Office for Ageing Well, Positive Ageing Fellowship Grant.