A new report from the Australian Red Cross has revealed 5.6 million Australians suffer from loneliness.

CEO of the Australian Red Cross, Judy Slatyer, says she was “shocked by the result”, with 7% of respondents saying they are lonely all the time.

“The number of people who are significantly lonely is huge. Loneliness doesn’t discriminate. It effects any age, any background, any location.”

The Australian Red Cross has launched a national Season of Belonging appeal to connect community members and combat loneliness this festive season.

“A phone call or an invitation to Christmas dinner can make the world of difference. Just be kind to each other.”

Click PLAY below to listen to the full interview

You can donate to the Season of Belonging appeal here.