Paula Towers speaks to the psychologist spearheading what is believed to be the world’s first survey of loneliness in a Jewish community
AS THE PANDEMIC highlights the risks of isolation across all sections of society, a survey has been launched to uncover the extent of loneliness within the Australian Jewish community.
The survey, spearheaded by Sydney clinical psychologist Dr Eva Lowy as part of a wider study by the Combat Loneliness Taskforce, is being conducted community-wide but does not gather any personal or contact information.
Believed to be the first survey of loneliness of a Jewish community in the world, the taskforce is initially focusing on the Sydney/NSW community. “Depending upon the outcome and findings, we may replicate the study in other areas,” Lowy told The Jewish Independent.
Major community organisations that have jumped on board include the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, AUJS, as well as the Great, Central, South Head and Coogee synagogues.
“We are really hoping to get figures right across the age groups,” Lowy said. “There’s been a commitment from a number of synagogues and representative organisations, who have kindly agreed to publicise the survey and encourage their members to participate.”
The taskforce is initially focusing on the NSW community. “Depending upon the outcome, we may replicate the study in other areas
The researchers aim to close the survey by the end of the month “so we can analyse the data and share it with the community, with the organisations that have participated and probably further afield as well,” Lowy said.
“We hope to complete the response collection process by early August and provide the study report to community organisations shortly thereafter.”
Combat Loneliness, which has launched the study, is comprised of health professionals and offers a research-based approach dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of social isolation and loneliness in the Jewish community.
