Loneliness can have very real detrimental impacts on a person’s health, including an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and poor mental health.

A survey conducted last year found 50 per cent of Australians reported feeling lonely, while nearly a third rarely felt they were part of a group of friends.

A new trial, The Ways to Wellness Social Isolation Project, is using what’s known as ‘social prescribing’ as a potential cure.

UQ Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology Dr Genevieve Dingle explains to Mark participants are referred by their doctor to a Link Worker, who then helps them to get out into the world.

Anyone interested can contact:
Link Worker Wendy Blackmon – 0412 679 833
Mt Gravatt Community Centre – 33439833
email: linkworker@mgcci.org.au

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