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Month: April 2022

A Message from the CEO: Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month 2022

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Relationships Australia Queensland CEO Ian Law shares a message ahead of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month 2022.

 

Each May, Queensland acknowledges Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (DFVP Month).

DFVP Month raises awareness of domestic and family violence (DFV) and sends a clear message that DFV in families and homes will not be tolerated.

Data from the Queensland Government shows Queensland has experienced a 17% increase in domestic violence offences since the COVID-19 pandemic. Men’s violence against women continues to be an issue in Queensland and all of Australia.

DFV has devastating impacts on individuals, families, and the community, and addressing it is everyone’s responsibility.

Everyone has the right to feel safe and free from abuse in their home and relationships – whether that abuse is physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, financial, social, or any other behaviour that is controlling or coercive.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence or feeling unsafe at home, help is available – online, over the phone, and in person.

Relationships Australia Queensland offers a comprehensive range of counselling and support services for people affected by domestic and family violence, and those who use power and control within their families.

You can learn more about our Domestic and Family Violence Prevention services here, or call 1300 364 277 for help finding the right support for your situation.

Hard Yarns: The 1967 Referendum

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Through our hard yarns, we invite you on a journey to learn, to challenge your previous beliefs, and to consciously ‘unlearn’ the inherent racism we see all too often.
 

Until the 1967 referendum, First Nations Peoples weren’t included in the census and therefore weren’t considered members of the Australian population.

The 1967 Referendum changed the Constitution to allow First Nations Peoples to be included in the census, and giving federal Parliament the power to make laws in relation to First Nations Peoples.

Before this, First Nations Peoples weren’t counted as part of the Australian population, and making laws for First Nations Peoples was the responsibility of the states.

Laws varied greatly from state to state. For example, First Nations Australians could own property in New South Wales and South Australia but not in other states.

This is recent history. There are First Nations Australians today who were born in a country that didn’t think they were worth counting in the Census. This is just one example of the racism that still impacts our First Nations Peoples and communities.

We encourage you to learn more about the 1967 Referendum and its impacts here: The 1967 Referendum | Australians Together  

Is social media causing social isolation?

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Social media is a great way to keep in touch and stay up to date with the people we care about.

But is the online world costing us our real-life connections?

We explore the link between social media and social isolation, and what you can do to ensure your apps aren’t replacing important in-person interactions.

 

The link between social media and social isolation

With social media apps at our fingertips, it’s not uncommon for online interactions to substitute face-to-face catchups.

But when we spend more time following our friends’ updates online than we do seeing them in person, it can lead to social withdrawal and alienation.

Research shows a link between heavy social media use and feelings of social isolation and loneliness.

It found those who spend the most time on social media (more than two hours a day) had twice the odds of perceived social isolation than those who said they spent half an hour or less a day on those sites.

 

Benefits of in-person connection

Face-to-face interactions offer significant benefits for our mental and physical health.

In-person human contact is known to trigger parts of our nervous system that release dopamine and oxytocin, the “happy” chemicals that help regulate our response to stress and anxiety. It also helps lower cortisol, the main stress hormone.

Whether it’s eye contact, a hug, a handshake, or a high-five, direct person-to-person contact can help make us more resilient to stress factors in the long run.

Research also shows an active social life can reduce the risk of physical disease such as type 2 diabetes.

The study found participants who didn’t join in with club activities or associate with any social groups were 60% more likely to have prediabetes.

“Our findings support the idea that resolving social isolation may help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes,” says lead study author Stephanie Brinkhues.

 

Managing social media use

If social media is replacing quality face-to-face time with your nearest and dearest, these tips might help you find more balance.

Limit your use

How long do you spend on social media every day? If you feel you spend more time scrolling on your phone than you’d like to, you might like to track and limit your use with an app.

There are plenty of apps that track how much time you spend on social media and alert you when it’s time to take a break.

Another option is to disable notifications so you’re not tempted to open your phone every time you get a message, like, or comment.

Call instead of message

Try calling your loved ones instead of messaging – especially if it’s to share a funny story, some exciting news, or provide emotional support. Nothing beats hearing a friend or family member’s voice and laughter over the phone.

It can also help you decipher their tone and mood better, which can help improve communication and strengthen your relationship.

Save some updates for in person

If you post about everything that happens in your life on your socials, you won’t have anything to chat about with your loved ones in person.

Next time you have an update, book a catch-up and announce it in person before posting online.

 

If you need some extra support, talking to a counsellor can help. You can call us on 1300 364 277 to make an appointment, or learn more about our counselling services here.

We offer some tips to overcome social isolation in this blog post.

How to Overcome Social Isolation

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Humans are social beings, and research continues to prove connection is a core need.

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, love and belonging are the most important needs we must fulfill besides food, water, and safety.

We have an inherent desire for interpersonal relationships and connection with others, and to feel a sense of belonging in a group or community.

When these needs are met, our wellbeing improves, and we live a more fulfilled life.

The 2021 World Happiness Report shows people who experienced an increase in connectedness with others during COVID lockdowns had:

  • Greater life satisfaction
  • More resilience
  • Better mental health.

Our social networks can help increase our capacity to cope in challenging times. A lack of social support and connection can have serious negative impacts on our mental and physical health.

Research shows loneliness is as bad for us as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. It’s a major risk factor for mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and it can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

If you’re struggling with social isolation and loneliness, you might find these tips helpful.

 

Social Isolation in Australia

Loneliness has long been present in Australia, but COVID has exacerbated the issue over recent years.

Before the pandemic, research shows one third of people (33%) reported an episode of loneliness.

In surveys undertaken since COVID, just over half (54%) of respondents reported that they felt lonelier since the start of the pandemic.

COVID-related lockdowns, venue closures, restrictions on group activities, and social distancing measures may have contributed to increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Even as we emerge from lockdowns and the world gets a little closer to ‘normal’, research shows many of us are feeling the lasting social impacts of COVID, counting less friends than we had prior to the pandemic.

 

Managing Social Isolation and Loneliness

Everyone feels lonely from time to time, but prolonged periods of loneliness or social isolation can impact on your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Here are some things you can do that may help combat social isolation and loneliness.

Set a daily routine

Following a daily routine can keep you busy and provide a sense of purpose. Fill your day with meaningful and enjoyable tasks and activities to look forward to.

Maintain daily contact with loved ones

Schedule in time each day to stay in touch with friends and family either in person or via technology. This doesn’t have to take a huge chunk out of your day – even just a quick phone call or short check-in text conversation can help nurture those connections.

Find hobbies outside the home

Pursuing hobbies and interests in your area is a great way to meet new people. Whether you join a local park run or get involved in a community garden, it may help you connect with likeminded people and fill your social cup.  

Consider adopting a pet

Pets can be a great source of companionship and comfort. If you’re in the position to care for an animal, you might like to consider welcoming one into your home. Adopting a dog also provides the opportunity to meet other dog owners at local dog parks and meet-ups.

 

If you need some extra support to cope, talking to a counsellor can help. You can call us on 1300 364 277 to make an appointment or learn more about our counselling services here.

We offer some tips to ask for help when you’re having a hard time in this blog post.

Time to have some hard yarns

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Do you know the true history of this country we call Australia?

Chances are you learned about Captain Cook and the First Fleet in school. The dark side of our history has generally been omitted in institutes of education.

But it’s important for us, as individuals and as a society, to know the truth.

Only by respecting the whole truth of our shared history – the invasion, dehumanisation, colonial violence, and genocide of First Nations Peoples – can we move towards a more healing future for us all.

Acknowledging these truths also acknowledges the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and cultures.

These are the painful and shameful parts of our history. These are the hard yarns.

 

Truth-telling with Aunty Deb

For the next few months, RAQ will be sharing some of the truths of our shared history, as well as the ongoing systemic racism in our society, to our Facebook page.

We’ll be working closely with Aunty Debra Bennet, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement and Cultural Advisor, to honour First Nations Peoples’ truths and encourage important – and sometimes difficult – conversations.

RAQ acknowledges the generosity, resilience and strength of Aunty Deb as well as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Traditional Owners, Elders, leaders, and families who share their stories, strengths, realities and hopes.

We stand in solidarity with First Nations Peoples in calling for the truth-telling of previously untold and unrecognised parts of our history. We join them in seeking peaceful resolution to address racism and the social and structural imbalance of the system that they have inherited through colonisation.

Through our hard yarns, we invite you on a journey to learn, to challenge your previous beliefs, and to consciously ‘unlearn’ the inherent racism we see all too often.

Reconciliation Australia explains more about the importance of truth-telling here.

Young People and Gambling

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Technology has changed the way we gamble, making it more accessible and convenient.

Mobile phone users can access online gambling websites and apps at the touch of a button – any time, anywhere. We’re seeing betting ads on billboards, TV, websites, and even social media apps.

Gambling is engrained in Australian culture, and it’s generally accepted and normalised.

Unfortunately, this easy access and regular advertising means our young people have more exposure to gambling than ever before – and it may seem like an appealing activity to some teens and youth.

According to a recent study, the key influences on youth gambling (aged 12-17) include parents/guardians, peers, and advertising.

“Playing around with gambling and betting is part of this natural exploration of risk-taking, and it’s not just exclusive to young people who are over 18,” Belinda from Headspace Gold Coast explains.

“As a community, we don’t always see the small elements of gambling-like behaviours we unconsciously normalise and expose children to regularly – such as acknowledging Melbourne Cup Day in schools.”

We explore the rates of youth gambling in Australia and what we as parents and a community can do to reduce the risk of gambling harm in our children and young people.

 

Troubling Numbers

Research has demonstrated that gambling exposure, and particularly the promotion of gambling, may have a significant impact in shaping young people’s positive attitudes towards gambling.

More troubling findings include:

  • The average young person spends at least 3-4 hours a day on some sort of online activity
  • 1 in 5 adults with gambling problems started gambling before they were 18
  • The average age a young person gambles for the first time is 11 years old
  • 1 in 5 adolescents play casino games
  • Up to 20% of young Australians aged 15-17 have bet on sports in the last 12 months
  • In 2015, the gambling industry spent $236 million nationally on advertisement.

 

Advice for Parents

Gambling-related harm and risks may not be a common conversation parents and guardians have with their children like other youth issues.

But it’s important to provide a safe space for healthy communication around gambling and problem gambling from a young age as it becomes more prevalent among our youth.

“Gambling can be a hidden, dirty word when it comes to recognising that young people under 18 engage in it,” says Belinda.

“But pushing gambling behaviours and related harm under the rug only further negatively impacts young people. It excludes young people from the conversation of gambling harm and discourages early help-seeking.”

Not sure how to start the conversation? We hope these tips help.

Be honest about the odds of winning

Explore and discuss the odds of winning and help them understand the probability of losing.

Have a conversation about risks. We all take risks in life – and maybe more so during our adolescence.  Explore the risks and potential consequences of losing when gambling.

Set boundaries and limitations

It’s not uncommon for young people to experiment with risky pursuits and push boundaries. Establishing boundaries, limitations, and expectations can help form healthy behaviours and understanding about the consequences of underage gambling.

Lead by example

Gambling is often a social activity within families of young people who gamble. Young people will pay close attention to the attitudes and behaviours of parents and other adults in their lives. Be mindful of your language and behaviour around gambling and set an example of safe gambling.

 

Where to Get Support

Relationships Australia and Headspace have teamed up to collaborate with support and advocacy efforts in the youth gambling space.

We work in local communities to start the conversation around young people and gambling, educate the community on how to detect problems associated with gambling, and where to find the appropriate support services.

If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, free, confidential, and culturally appropriate help is available. You can talk to a counsellor by calling the 24/7 helpline on 1800 858 858.

Or you can contact the Headspace national head office on (03) 9027 0100 to find your local centre. Headspace is committed to providing the best possible service to young people.

How to protect your financial wellbeing in later life

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Are you worried about making the right decisions with your money?

We all want to make smart choices so we can feel comfortable and secure in later life, but navigating superannuation funds, retirement pensions and downsizing can feel overwhelming.

We need to protect our financial health the same way we would our physical health – by devoting regular attention to it and planning according to our needs.

Here are some quick tips to help you get started.
 

Talk to someone you trust

A great place to start planning for your future is identifying a trustworthy person you can talk to about your financial concerns. This could be a financial advisor, a lawyer or a loved one. These people can help you start to think about your answers to the right questions, such as:

  • When do you want to retire?
  • What do you want retired life to look like for you?
  • Do you want to move to be close to your family?
     

Get the right documents ready

Drafting up a will that you’re happy with can ensure even if something happens to you, you have full control over how things play out.

You may also want to consider enacting an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA), which allows you to nominate someone to make legal or financial decisions for you when you need extra support.

Having an EPOA can reduce financial stress, but you should still be involved in any decision-making regarding your finances. 

Check your bank statements regularly, and if you want to give your nominated person access to your bank accounts, consider putting a limit on how much they can withdraw at once. Your bank can help you with this.

 

Be careful with gifts

If you’re thinking about downsizing, you might also be considering moving back in with your family and giving your children some money for a car or property.

While it’s wonderful to want to help your loved ones, it’s important to make sure your rights are protected and doing this doesn’t jeopardise your security.

Seeking legal and financial advice before signing anything or handing over money or property can make sure giving a gift doesn’t affect your pension or living situation.

Make sure any agreement you make with a family member is written down in advance so you can refer to it later. These formal family agreements can help you stay protected.
 

Plan and live within your means

Taking some time now to plan and budget your upcoming expenses can save you a lot of stress in the future. Some ways to reduce your financial stress are:

  • Have a budget so you know you can afford your living expenses
  • Make sure all your debts are paid off before you retire
  • Downsize to a more suitable accommodation.

If you’re planning to let any family move in, make sure they can contribute financially. That way, you can all live more comfortably and be prepared in case of an emergency.
 

Keep important assets safe

It’s important to protect your important documents and money and ensure they’re stored in a safe place. You can protect your assets by:

  • Not sharing your passwords or leaving important documents lying around
  • Not signing any documents you don’t understand
  • Keeping any cash at home in a safe.

Pay attention to your instincts when it comes to requests for information or a loan from family or friends. If it feels wrong, don’t be afraid to say so.

 

When it comes to being financially secure in later life, the most important thing is to make sure you’re making informed decisions.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your bank and/or superannuation provider will probably be able to answer some of your questions, and organisations like Services Australia can also give you more information.

If you are experiencing financial hardship and need support, our financial counsellors can help. You can call 1300 063 232 to set up an appointment.