People with disability make authentic friendships and beat loneliness at Life Skills

Northcott’s Life Skills program is not only about learning to do new things. It’s also a wonderful way for customers to meet like-minded people and create lasting friendships with others who have similar interests.

For Coffs Harbour customer Alvis, the program has become a place where he feels connected and part of a community.

Alvis has been attending Life Skills for five years, and in that time he has formed close friendships with people who have become an important part of his life.

“I’ve made friends like Warren and Ben,” he says.

When asked how it feels to have friends at Northcott, his answer is heartfelt: “Happy.”

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, people with disability may experience lower rates of social participation and greater risk of isolation and loneliness than those without disability:

• 1 in 5 (19%) people with disability aged 15–64 experience social isolation (lack of social contact with others), compared with 9.5% without disability (2021)
• 3 in 10 (29%) people with disability aged 15–64 say they often feel lonely, compared with 17% without disability (2021).

The answer to solving this problem is real inclusion.

It’s about having good friendships and relationships. It’s the feeling of being valued and knowing you belong. That’s where Northcott’s Life Skills programs come in.

Each week Alvis takes part in a variety of activities that keep him engaged and active. He enjoys Zumba, bocce at the park, bowling and attending Men’s Shed.

Fridays are a highlight, with the group coming together for a barbeque as a social way to wrap up the week.

Some of his favourite moments are spent with the friends he has made at Northcott.

Activities he especially loves sharing with his Northcott mates are “Bowling and going to the pub.”

To beat loneliness, every person needs to feel welcome and valued, to be invited to join in, and to be safe from stigma.

They also need to have strong, supportive, and meaningful relationships with friends and family.

For Alvis, friendship is built on kindness. When asked what makes a good friend, he replies: “Being nice.” And when he feels lonely, it’s the comfort of “family and friends and puppy dogs” that helps him feel better.