Spark recently facilitated a series of co-design workshops in Murray Bridge and Alexandrina, bringing together more than 35 community members and local partners to explore ways of strengthening connection and belonging.

Insights from the workshops will help inform the development of locally led initiatives over the coming year.

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Play Forever is an intergenerational initiative in SA that brings older people and children together through play, helping to build social connection, reduce isolation and strengthen community relationships.

The program highlights the benefits of meaningful interactions across generations, creating opportunities for learning, belonging and wellbeing for participants of all ages.

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Loneliness Awareness Week 2026 saw communities, workplaces, schools and organisations across Australia come together under the theme Make Room for Connection.

Early campaign results included more than 93,000 website visits, 180 registered community activations, 1,800 supporter toolkit downloads and over 800 completed Connector Quiz responses, highlighting strong community engagement with conversations about loneliness and social connection.

Ending Loneliness Together’s 2026 national conference brings together research, lived experience, practice and policy to explore how we can create a more socially connected Australia. From 21–22 October.

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California has launched its first Social Health Council, bringing together leaders from government, academia, and community organisations to strengthen social connection and reduce isolation.

Convened by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the Council will help develop a statewide roadmap to promote belonging and position social connection as a public health priority.

The initiative reflects growing recognition that loneliness and social isolation have significant impacts on health and wellbeing.