– It is a strategy that must go broad, where we state that, firstly, there must not be the taboo that is around loneliness. And secondly, it is something we have to deal with together, says Astrid Krag.
Specifically, the government envisages creating a so-called loneliness alliance with relevant organizations, municipalities and others that can play a role.
– We plan for it to have 10 million kroner to work with next year in relation to making local partnerships and building on the important efforts that are out there. And make recommendations for what we can do as a society, so that this is not the individual problem, but something we tackle together.
The loneliness strategy is part of the government’s budget bill for 2022.
In June, 77 Danish organizations led by the Red Cross and the Elderly Case addressed the Folketing and the Minister with a demand that a political strategy against loneliness be drawn up.
Since then, several have joined the demand, which is now 86 organizations behind.
They represent all groups in society – children, young people, the elderly and the sick. For example, Danish Patients, Children’s Terms and Danish Colleges are also behind the claim.
Astrid Krag’s announcement pleases Anders Ladekarl, Secretary General of the Red Cross, who has previously called loneliness a new public disease.
– We know from research that it is not something we should take too lightly. A severely lonely person lives on average 10 years less than people with many social contacts. So it’s a big societal problem.
Anders Ladekarl points out that the most important thing in a national strategy is that it actually becomes national.
– We must think about loneliness and inclusion in our activities across sectors and organizations. Create physical spaces so that it is easier to be together, and in every way think about loneliness when making plans in all sorts of other areas, he says.
The chairman of Danske Gymnasier, Birgitte Vedersรธ, completely agrees with the Minister that it must, among other things, be about getting rid of the taboo around loneliness.
– It is so socially stigmatizing if you as a young person feel lonely. But it is also a huge burden to feel wrong in relation to the others.
– We need to get it articulated. I think there are a lot of young people who feel lonely and are sure that the others are having more fun than themselves, she says.
The organizations propose that the strategy should support the inclusion of communities as part of schools, education, health care, the care sector, working life, local communities and infrastructure.
– A national strategy must put people’s opportunities to be part of close communities high on the agenda, regardless of which ministry, municipality or organization you sit in. For no problem causes as much dissatisfaction as loneliness, says CEO of รldre Sagen Bjarne Hastrup.
Source: The Nordic Page