Having diabetes can cause frustration, worry, and burnout but there is something else which can impact your quality of life, and that is loneliness.

In 2022 the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that one in seven people in Australia experienced social isolation, affecting around 18% of men and 12% of women.

Life events such as the death of a partner, a serious illness, or an injury, can trigger social isolation. If you are feeling lonely or flat, it might be helpful to put some strategies in place to take into the new year. Here are some ideas to help you reduce social isolation and improve your wellbeing this year.

Why is it important to address social isolation?

Social isolation can have serious negative health effects. These include:

• Mental illness and emotional distress
• Poor sleep
• Increased negative health behaviors such as physical inactivity, and smoking
• Greater risk of dementia
• Life-threatening behaviours
• Early death

What can you do?

When things get overwhelming, it is hard to know where to start. Here are some targeted initiatives and programs to help combat social isolation, particularly for those living with diabetes.

Diabetes specific ways to reduce social isolation

Diabetes Australia delivers a variety of NDSS-funded face to face and online programs and events, covering a range of topics. As well as the option to attend subject-specific programs there are a number of forums and expos available throughout the year that cover several issues in one day. Most programs are aimed at all people with diabetes, although some may be specifically for people with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. Many of the programs are also available in different languages.

All NDSS programs are free to registrants, and run in metropolitan, rural and regional areas. You can filter your search by program and location. These programs are a friendly and informal way to connect with others and receive valuable up-to-date information regarding diabetes.

To find out more call 1800 637 700 or visit ndss.com.au and head to the events page.

Non diabetes specific ways to reduce social isolation

The following programs are delivered by qualified health professionals and offer ongoing and personalised support to help you reach long term health goals.

Get Healthy Service (NSW)

• Phone and online health coaching
• Free
• Minimum of six coaching sessions
• You can register again when your program ends

Call the Get Healthy Service on 1300 806 258 or register online gethealthynsw.com.au.

Life! (VIC)

• Free
• Ongoing, personalised support
• Seven sessions
• Delivered in-person, online, or through telephone health coaching

Call the Life! Program on 13 74 75 or visit lifeprogram.org.au

My health for life (QLD)

• Six coaching sessions
• Free
• Delivered in a group setting, on a one-to-one basis, on the phone, or online
• Culturally adapted sessions available

Call My health for life on 1374 75 or register online myhealthforlife.com.au.

The COACH program (TAS)

• Free
• Coaching delivered by telephone and through mail outs
• Six-month program
• Participants can contact their coach between sessions

Call the COACH program on 8899 7770 or visit thecoachprogram.com.

University of the Third Age

The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a nationwide voluntary, non-profit organisation tailored for people 50 years and over. It runs various educational and leisure activities including Tai Chi, book clubs, day trips, choirs, photography classes, talks, and more. Regular meetings bring people together and can help to decrease feelings of social isolation and help develop new friendships.

Visit u3aaustralia.org.au to find your state U3A.

Walking groups

Walking groups exist throughout Australia. They run regularly and often members grab a coffee or a snack afterwards.

• Heart Foundation walking group – Open to everyone and available in a variety of locations: walking.heartfoundation.org.au/walking.
• Man Walk – For men to get together to walk, talk, and offer support to one another in a positive and friendly environment. There is no cost to join a walk, and the walks take place regularly. To find out more: manwalk.com.au.
• parkrun – A community event held at 500 locations nationwide. Opportunity to walk, run, volunteer, or watch. It isn’t a race, and everyone is welcome. You can even start a parkrun in your own community: parkrun.com.au.
• Neighbourhood Facebook pages are a good place to look for local walking groups.

Join a community college

Community colleges offer a variety of different courses for reasonable prices. The range of courses offered vary depending on location, but you will often find:

• Leisure courses including art, DIY, languages, cooking, photography, fitness, and sports
• Work skills courses such as first aid, training and assessment, accounting, computers, business
• Disability programs including day trips, cooking, sport and fitness, arts and crafts
• Senior classes on technology, dancing, health, fitness, and languages
• Indigenous programs – Look at VERTO Skill to Transform in regional areas offering short courses and qualifications. verto.org.au

Search for local community colleges online, or ask at your local library. Alternatively head to cca.edu.au/members.

Book clubs

Book clubs are a wonderful way to meet people who share a love of reading. There are book clubs throughout Australia. Here are tips to finding one for you:

• Local libraries often have book clubs, and they sometimes supply books and book club questions to chat about at meetings
• Australia reads has a list of book clubs around Australia australiareads.org.au/news/book-clubs-around-australia
• Internet search Try searching book club and whichever location you are in, for example, ‘book club Dubbo’.

Peer support groups

Peer support groups exist for a multitude of reasons covering everything from mental health to managing chronic conditions. They are a terrific way to meet others who are facing challenges like those you may be experiencing. Examples are:

• Diabetes United. Diabetes Australia’s free member community diabetesaustralia.com.au/membership
• Diabetes peer support groups peersupport.ndss.com.au
• JDRF peer support for type 1 diabetes jdrf.org.au/living-with-t1d/peer-support-program
• Grow mental wellbeing programs grow.org.au
• Liveup – Offers support and social activities that promote healthy ageing. Contact 1800 951 971 or visit liveup.org.au

Other social and activity clubs

• Hobbies: Gardening, DIY, model railways, fishing, crafting
• Activity: Yoga, tai chi, swimming clubs, fitness clubs, golf, sailing, pickleball, bowling
• Associations such as Country Women’s Association, Probus Club
• Men’s Shed: Male based community development organisation mensshed.org
• View Club: A national women’s organisation focused on supporting young disadvantaged Australians. It is a non-religious, non-political organisation thesmithfamily.com.au/view-clubs or call 1800 805 366.
• Meetup: A website where you can search for activities that interest you, meet new people, find support, and try something new. Meetups take place across Australia (and beyond). Events are also held online.

Tips on overcoming barriers

It can be difficult to try something new for many reasons. Here are some common barriers, along with potential solutions to try.

• Time
  Make an appointment in your diary. Treat it in the same way you book a doctor’s appointment that you would only miss in unusual circumstances.
• Money
  Many of the suggestions in this article are free of charge.
• Fear
  It can be daunting to try something new. Consider joining a program where you get one-on-one support and encouragement to help you get started.
• Motivation
  Maintaining motivation can be difficult but determination to continue and seeing the benefits from attending can keep you motivated.
• Transport
  Depending on where you live transport can be a real barrier. Find out if community transport is available or consider carpooling to activities. Online programs are also a great option if you cannot get to a face-to-face program.

Feeling socially isolated is an unhappy situation and can lead to mental and physical problems. Exploring some of the ideas given in this article may spark your interest or remind you of long forgotten hobbies you once enjoyed.

For more assistance call Diabetes Australia on 1800 177 055 or the NDSS helpline on 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a health professional. Psychological help may also be beneficial. Talk with your GP to find out about a health care plan that includes Medicare rebates for allied health services, such as psychology.

Elaine McLennan, Credentialled Diabetes Educator and Registered Nurse