Podcast: Lone crusader tackling loneliness head-on

It is estimated that one in three Australians are affected by loneliness, a reality that has profound mental health implications for the nation.

It was this knowledge and his own personal experience of the debilitating effects of loneliness that prompted former KPMG chair Martin Blake to establish the Groundswell Foundation.

Having experienced loneliness and professional isolation following his retirement from a high-flying executive lifestyle, Martin founded the foundation in a bid to tackle the loneliness crisis head-on.

His foundation aims to raise awareness of the impact of loneliness on everyone from young Australians to migrants and CEOs and strives to provide evidence-based solutions.

“Even in positions of power, isolation can be profound,” said Blake, who hopes to inspire other leaders to confront the often-overlooked issue of loneliness in their own organisations.

More Community Advocate podcasts

Podcast: I want to change the world, just don't call me an activist

Podcast: The view from the inside

Podcast: Keeping the volunteer flame burning in rural and regional Australia

Podcast: Closing the fundraising skills gap

Podcast: Sector inquiries: process or progress