A new campaign – IRL Sunday – is encouraging all Australians to get together “in real life” to combat the loneliness epidemic. Source: Edmund Rice Community Services.
This Edmund Rice Community Services campaign asks Australians of all ages, to arrange a catch-up, in real life, on Sunday, September 8, for a great cause – to have fun and raise awareness and money for the thousands of young people experiencing vulnerability.
There’ll be barbeques, picnics, beach walks, brunches, park cricket matches and everything in between.
With almost one in three (32 per cent) Australians reporting feeling loneliness, connecting with others has never been more important.
Many of the children and young people who participate in Edmund Rice Community Services programs are some of the most vulnerable in society. Many are in out-of-home care, are refugees, or are asylum seekers.
“IRL Sunday encourages all Australians to connect for a purpose. IRL Sunday is a day for all Australians to spend time with their loved ones, connecting face to face for a great cause,” said Edmund Rice Community Services Executive Director Andrée Brown.
“Sadly, many of the people we support have experienced adversity or trauma in their young lives. Money raised from the IRL Sunday campaign will help them experience safety, connection and belonging.
“Many of us say we’ll catch up with our friends and family in real life but are too busy to do so, for the young people we support it’s not always possible for them to create such connections.
“At Edmund Rice Community Services, we address the impact of trauma, isolation, and loneliness on young people – the IRL Sunday campaign supports us to continue that work.”
It’s free to host an IRL Sunday get-together with lots of great resources available online. People can register to host an event, donate online, or find out more at www.irlsunday.org.au.
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IRL Sunday Campaign to Combat the Loneliness Epidemic (ERCS)
