Sparking connection to tackle loneliness

Loneliness has been labelled a global health priority by the World Health Organization, affecting about one in four people across society, with the digital world replacing human interaction at increasing pace. Chronic loneliness doubles the risk of long-term illness, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety and causing an estimated 900,000 deaths every year worldwide. UniSA researcher Dr Nadia Corsini and her team of volunteers – called Sparkies – are hoping to disrupt this trend with an inspiriting new initiative that tackles loneliness on a local scale, fostering stronger, more connected communities. Fore more information, go to: https://unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2025/federal-government-pledges-$500000-to-tackle-loneliness-epidemic/ For more from University of South Australia visit: UniSA Homepage: https://www.unisa.edu.au/ UniSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniSA/ UniSA Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/UniversitySA UniSA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universitysa/ UniSA Weibo: http://weibo.com/studyatunisa CRICOS provider number 00121B / Australian University provider number PRV12107