Simple gesture of reaching out to someone ‘can mean the world to them’

The “simple little gesture” of reaching out to somebody and reminding them they mean a lot as a friend or even a “good old-fashioned hug” can “mean the world to them”, says Mental Health Peer Worker Glenn Cotter.

One in five Australians have agreed they often feel very lonely from a study between 2001 and 2021 by the Household Income and Labour Dynamics Australia.

While many people will be opening presents and indulging in turkey and Christmas pudding, for millions of Australians they won’t be.

“We forget about some of the things that are happening for people because we get caught up in what we’re doing ourselves – it’s just something that we need to remind each other, that we’re there and to ask somebody are they okay, how are they going,” Mr Cotter told Sky News Australia.

“It may sound simple, but to the person on the other end of that question, it can mean the world, so keep an eye on your friends – have a look, and if something doesn’t feel right in your gut, ask them ‘are you okay’, ask them ‘is there anything I can do’.

“Just remember that people are very proud … so, at the end of the day, just be nice to people – just be kind, a smile, a simple gesture, can mean the world to them, especially at this time of year.”

Видео Simple gesture of reaching out to someone ‘can mean the world to them’ канала Sky News Australia