00:00 To say life has been tough for Tori Parker-Lacey lately would be an understatement.
00:07 A relationship breakdown led to homelessness which pushed her mental health to the brink.
00:13 There has been in the last nine months of my separation some very, very difficult nights because you're alone.
00:25 It was here at Roundabout Canberra that Tori found connection and purpose.
00:30 You have people who are smiling at you, you join in conversations, I can give what I have to others and they're appreciative of that.
00:41 Combating loneliness is a big drawcard for new volunteers.
00:45 It's a wonderful group of people, everyone's so friendly and welcoming.
00:49 A survey of adults in Canberra found loneliness most prevalent among 18 to 29 year olds, followed closely by 30 to 49 year olds.
00:59 Interestingly, Canberrans aged 65 and over report the lowest levels of social isolation.
01:06 The majority of our elderly people are pretty social.
01:10 They're out and about, they're getting out chatting to friends and they've often got more social connections than the younger adults.
01:17 The streets today told a different story.
01:20 Am I lonely? I don't feel lonely.
01:23 Not too lonely, on a scale of like 10, like a 4 or 5.
01:28 It's good for me, I don't feel very lonely.
01:31 I haven't felt lonely at any time, I've been able to meet people and connect really well.
01:36 These two students have Taylor Swift to thank for their friendship.
01:40 It was the ANU's Swifty Society that brought them together and quashed any chance of a lonely first year in the nation's capital.
01:49 It's been really good to make a friend as good as Kate and I guess it all comes down to the fact we both really love Taylor.
01:57 Their advice to anyone craving connection is to find common ground.
02:02 So it's just like a building block and then you can jump to creating more meaningful friendships.
02:08 The ultimate antidote to loneliness.
02:11 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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