Uniting Communities recently released Loneliness by Numbers: A South Australian Snapshot — a new report highlighting who is most impacted by loneliness and how we can respond as a community.

We have been surveying the South Australian population since 2020; our latest data demonstrates that loneliness is still a significant issue in the community.

Alarmingly, young people aged 18-24 and people aged 55-59 experience the highest rates of feeling lonely ‘often.’

Read our full report to find out more

During Loneliness Awareness week, parliament house lit up orange to spread awareness of Loneliness as a critical issue.

In a powerful visual statement, South Australia's Parliament House was illuminated in orange light during Loneliness Awareness Week, drawing attention to loneliness as a pressing public health and social issue.

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Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres can apply for up to $10,000 to support projects that promote inclusion and connection.

Metropolitan and larger regional centres are eligible, with one submission per centre.

Check your eligibility and apply soon — funding is allocated by state and closing dates are approaching.

Questions? Contact Jarrah at jarrah@anhca.org

Uniting Communities is proud to support Mental Health Month.

We know loneliness isn’t a mental health condition, but the two are deeply interconnected — and connection can be a powerful protective factor.

This October, Mental Health Month invites communities across South Australia to take part in this year’s theme: Connecting When It Counts.

🗣️ Host an activity 📍 List your event online 📢 Use the social media pack 🧩 Share resources and spark conversations.

Everything you need is here

The NSW Legislative Council’s new report on The Prevalence, Causes and Impacts of Loneliness calls for a whole-of-society response to a growing public health challenge.

Its 20 recommendations span individual, community, and systemic levels—urging the NSW Government to implement a five-year strategy led by the Premier’s Department.

Key actions include expanding peer support and youth hubs, investing in neighbourhood centres and third spaces, simplifying funding for grassroots organisations, and improving transport and housing infrastructure to foster connection.

The report also advocates for social prescribing, workforce training, and a public awareness campaign to destigmatise loneliness. It calls for robust data collection and research to guide evidence-based interventions and ensure accountability across sectors.

Read more

The Foundation for Social Connection has launched a timely new resource—Navigating Generative AI and Youth Social Connection Through Intergenerational Conversation—to help adults better understand and support young people’s engagement with AI companions.

Backed by expert insights and developed with intergenerational partners, the resource offers videos, strategies, and reflections to foster open dialogue and collaborative decision-making around AI’s impact on youth mental health and social well-being.

Supported by Pinterest, it encourages curiosity, respect for youth agency, and shared action to strengthen connection across generations.

Find out more

Launched in late 2023, the WHO Commission on Social Connection is working to elevate loneliness and social isolation as global public health priorities.

At its halfway mark, the Commission released a flagship report calling for urgent action and investment.

Over its three-year tenure, it aims to raise visibility, scale proven solutions, and track progress—recognising that anyone, anywhere, can be affected, and that connection is vital to individual and societal well-being.

Read more