Isolation

Definition of Isolation

Those who lack reasonable and reliable access to other people, services and resources, and have no regular contact with other families and children. They may be faced with the challenge of isolation through factors such as such as social, emotional, cultural, economic or geographical circumstances or live in a disadvantaged locality.

Isolation and Contact

For some people, isolation is a choice – they enjoy living in remote areas or without adult company. For others, particularly those with children, separation from others can be a challenging. Contact works with isolated children, families and communities to help address the negative impact of isolation like little or no access or knowledge of services, people and resources. Isolation can be caused by many factors such as:

• Being unfamiliar with our language or customs;
• Having no money or no services;
• Not having a car or a telephone, or a bus or train service;
• Feeling inadequate because of a social situation, lack of confidence or self-esteem;
• Having no friends or family close by;
• Feeling lonely or bored or lack motivation;
• Have poor health and or children with additional needs; and
• Living far away from a service centre or in an area that has extreme climatic circumstances.