How can community arts programs help tackle loneliness? This question is at the heart of Dr Sara James’ research into wellbeing and social inclusion.
“One in three Australians are lonely and one in six are severely lonely,” she says. “And loneliness doesn't just affect older people. In fact, 18-24-year-olds are the group most likely to be experiencing loneliness in Australia.”
At a time when mental health services under-resourced and overwhelmed by demand, Dr James says there is a need for more innovative and non-clinical approaches to address loneliness.
To explore this, Dr James has worked with Dr Juliane Roemhild, alongside councils, neighbourhood houses, public libraries and aged care facilities, to evaluate the wellbeing benefits of shared reading programs.
“Shared Reading is a form of creative, interactive bibliotherapy where groups of people meet in a community setting and guided by a trained facilitator read aloud a short story and a poem, then use it as a springboard for discussions of personal experiences and challenges,” she explains.
The results have been promising, with research showing that arts-based programs like shared reading can provide a low-cost and high reward intervention.
“These programs can help tackle the loneliness crisis and have the potential to significantly enhance individual wellbeing.”
Dr James is now working to secure funding to expand the Shared Reading program across Victoria.
“We are also experimenting with incorporating a creative writing element into the program, which we believe may be particularly beneficial to younger cohorts.”
