Would you like to be part of a volunteer team dedicated to combatting loneliness in the community?

Spark is supported by a constellation of volunteers who are skilled to create a welcoming, safe and inclusive community and are passionate about igniting human connection.

Spark was born from The Loneliness Project which is a collaboration between the University of South Australia and The Hut Community Centre tasked with creating solutions to tackle loneliness. 

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A study by the University of South Australia is exploring the experiences of a community reminiscence program – Sporting Memories Australia – tapping into the memories and experiences of sport in a move to address loneliness and social isolation.

Working with SportsUnited, the program is actively connecting people over the age of 65 (many living with dementia) to discuss historic sporting events, participate in activities, and share memories from past decades.

A knowledgeable facilitator guides the group and promotes inclusivity.

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Through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Meals on Wheels SA is providing support to reduce isolation and loneliness.

Volunteers host social opportunities for individuals and groups in the Northern and Southern suburbs, while other services include cooking classes and wellbeing workshops in various regions.

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The MCCSA Men’s Council recently brought together men from diverse backgrounds for an evening of connection, conversation, and camaraderie.

This event provided an opportunity for participants to engage in friendly games, forge new friendships, and have meaningful discussions in a relaxed and supportive environment, by creating a space for men to come together, they aim to combat loneliness and reduce social isolation.

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Creating more connected workplaces

Are you located in Melbourne? Join Friends for Good on March 28 as they explore ‘Tackling Workplace Loneliness in Organisations That Value People,’ to gain practical tools and insights to build inclusive and connected work environments.

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Through fostering human connection, Vinnies Connect helps people build meaningful social connections that greatly enrich lives by matching people experiencing loneliness with volunteers to foster friendships.

Vinnies Connect matches people who share similar interests, live nearby each other and are keen to meet regularly in casual social settings, like cafes, parks and shops.

Participants of Vinnies Connect report dramatic increases in their sense of community connectedness after six-months of involvement with the program.

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You know it's important to take care of your physical and mental health. But what about your social health?

Social scientist Kasley Killam shows how feeling a sense of belonging and connection has concrete benefits to your overall health — and explains why it may be the missing key to living a longer and happier life.

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The Campaign to End Loneliness team recently welcomed representatives from the Royal Foundation for an insightful discussion on childhood loneliness and the lasting impact of early social experiences.

Dr Antonia Ypsilanti and Dr Caron Carter discussed the importance of play and friendships in early childhood and their crucial role in shaping wellbeing later in life.

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Social isolation as a driver of poor mental health was recently discussed for the first time at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) executive board meeting (EB).

Several member states called for WHO guidance on addressing loneliness and social isolation, and for measures to combat these to be included in the body’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan.

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