Welcome to the Uniting Communities Overcoming Loneliness monthly e-news. We’ll keep you up to date with the latest news about loneliness initiatives, research, innovative case studies and data.
If you have a story to share about how your work or organisation is overcoming loneliness, please contact us at [email protected]
South Australia
Mum Walk Adelaide: Building Connection for New Mums
Mum Walk is a growing, mum-led initiative helping address postpartum loneliness by bringing mothers together for regular walks and conversation.
What began as a simple local meet‑up has grown into a nationwide movement, offering a safe, supportive space where mums can connect, share experiences and build meaningful friendships in their communities.
Investment in Blackwood Hills Men’s Shed (SA)
A new $280,000 investment will support the expansion of the Blackwood Hills Men’s Shed, creating a purpose-built space to meet growing demand.
The upgrade will enable more men to connect, share skills and access a safe, supportive community environment that promotes wellbeing and reduces social isolation.
5 Ways to Create Meaningful Connection
Spark: Igniting Human Connection asked five ‘connectors’ from the Adelaide Hills community to share practical advice on building connection.
Their insights highlight that meaningful relationships are created through small, intentional actions—like showing up authentically, listening deeply, giving without expectation, and allowing time and courage for connections to grow
Australia
The Mind–Body Connection: Rethinking Loneliness for Whole‑Person Wellbeing
This Australian Loneliness Dialogue online event – on 30 July- brings together leading researchers, practitioners and policymakers to examine how loneliness intersects with health, community and systems.
Grounded in evidence and lived experience, the conference will explore innovative approaches to fostering connection, strengthening wellbeing and creating lasting social change.
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of how we understand and respond to loneliness.
ABS Data Shows Ongoing Gaps in Social Connection
New ABS data from their Social Survey shows just 53% of Australians had weekly face‑to‑face contact with family or friends outside their household—up from 42% in 2020, but still well below 68% in 2019.
While frequency of contact doesn’t always equate to meaningful connection, the continued gap highlights ongoing concerns about social connection and the impact on loneliness in Australia.
International
Global Loneliness Awareness Week Summit (USA)
Held on Capitol Hill, this annual summit by Foundation for Social Connection, brings together policymakers, researchers, advocates and community leaders to address loneliness as a growing public health issue.
The event focuses on turning evidence into action, with discussions on policy, technology and community solutions to strengthen social connection across the United States
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