Every day is neighbour day.
Relationships Australia has received inquiries about concerns regarding whether or not it is safe to get together to celebrate Neighbour Day given the current COVID19 situation.
We recommend that people make themselves aware of the public health authorities’ advice. These can include the World Health Organisation’s guidelines, the advice of Australia’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and each respective state and territory’s CMOs, to help you make informed decisions.
We support people's decision to postpone events where they choose to do so.
Neighbour Day is simply a catalyst to encourage people across all communities to build and strengthen their social connections. Given the challenges the world is currently facing regarding COVID19, we understand that getting together physically for some may not be feasible and we encourage everyone to find other ways to connect and engage with their neighbours and communities that may not be face-to-face.
The need for connections and support are even more important when so many (already vulnerable) people are being asked to self-isolate. Neighbour Day 2020 provides us with an opportunity to expand our connections and understanding of community and ‘neighbours’.
As such, Relationships Australia will be providing a list of ideas and tips on Neighbour Day social media channels to help people create connections and that don’t require neighbours to engage in person.
For example, this could be online/virtual connections or small acts of kindness such as leaving calling or connection cards with a kind message and your phone number for those who are isolated, so that they can call you for a chat.
You may find this article by The Guardian of interest.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/mar/05/coronavirus-self-quarantine-might-not-sound-so-bad-but-loneliness-will-be-hard-for-many
We encourage building positive and sustainable social connections, in whatever form resonates with individuals and the communities that they are part of.