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 advocacy@unitingcommunities.org
South Australia
New SA Youth Action Plan
The new plan includes a commitment to increase access to community spaces and sport and recreation activities to build and maintain social connections and to address increased reports of loneliness.
The plan also includes support for local councils and communities to create opportunities for social connections with young people through sport, art and cultural experiences, nature play and other recreation activities.
Strengthening community sheds
Community sheds across South Australia can now apply for up to $30,000 in funding to support their growth, connection, and sustainability through the latest round of the Grants SA Community Sheds program.
The program is designed to strengthen grassroots community organisations, helping sheds create welcoming spaces where people can connect, share skills, and find purpose — all critical factors in supporting wellbeing and reducing social isolation.
SA App building connections
Many people want to connect but don’t know where to start - especially when loneliness makes reaching out feel harder. Joiner is a free app founded in Adelaide that helps friends and family open their homes for spontaneous, in-person catchups.
It’s a tool designed to turn intention into action, helping people reconnect in the moments that matter most.
They are currently inviting community members to try Joiner and share their feedback.
Your input will guide how they improve the app and make sure it genuinely supports people in building stronger, more meaningful connections.
Building connections through games
Volunteerability, together with Baptcare and Plan Tracker are hosting an inclusive games event (ALCHEMYCON) in May to connect people with a variety of community groups, services, volunteering opportunities, providers and activities.
Stallholders will include those being owned and run by people with a lived experience of disability, those focusing on Neurodiversity, LGBTIQ+, Mental Health hobby groups, education and more.
Australia
Creating a culture of connection in shared spaces
The webinar recording is now live for Ending Loneliness Together and Frasers Property webinar, find out more about how places and spaces can increase connections in the community.
New Lived experience panel
Ending Loneliness Together, with the support of the Wicking Trust, have established a new Older Australians Lived Experience Advisory Panel to play a crucial role in shaping their approach and ensuring that lived experiences guide their efforts.
They are seeking additional men over 65 to join the Panel with the first meeting held in late April.
Get in contact if you or someone you know is interested in joining.
Young people and loneliness
Ending Loneliness Together have announced that young people (16-25) will be the focus of this years National Loneliness Awareness Week 2025.
Through personal stories and research, they will share what is important to young people and offer practical tips to facilitate meaningful connections and guidance for their support network including peers, parents, teachers, coaches, and managers.
International
Bridging and Belonging webinar (US)
Register for the Bridging and Belonging to Strengthen Social Connections webinar which will be hosted by Healthy Places by Design on May 28 from 3-4 pm ET.
Healthy Places by Design will discuss evidence-based strategies and share community examples that promote bridging and belonging while respecting diversity.
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