LONELINESS AWARENESS WEEK AUSTRALIA
3-9 AUGUST 2026

Connection doesn’t happen by accident.

It grows in the spaces we create for each other.

A spare seat at the table, an open invitation, a smiling face on arrival, an event built around something you love, a circle that stretches a little wider – these small but deliberate acts of room-making help us all show up, belong and feel less alone.

This Loneliness Awareness Week we’re celebrating the everyday ways people living in Australia are making room for each other, and we’re calling on everyone to make room for connection at home, work, school and in the community.

#MakeRoomForConnection #LonelinessAwarenessWeekAU

Two young men sitting side by side one is looking at the other smiling and the other is laughing

Meet Room-Makers

Hear from people who are making room for connection

Take Quiz

Learn what type of connector you are and get tips

Visit Map

From board game nights to cook-ups and even a shared love for Prince, everyday people are making room for connection and it’s changing lives.

MEET

Following a separation, Nathan’s once busy home became quiet and he started to feel lonely. In an attempt to find new connections in his local community, he started a board games night – which has helped him and many others form meaningful friendships.

MEET

Grace joined a volunteer program offering companionship for the elderly, but what she got out of it was so much more. Paired with Pam, it was a mutual love of Prince that made the 24 and 73 year old connect. Some 2 years later, that shared interest has blossomed into a special friendship.

MEET

When university student Caitlin moved from the Philippines to Australia, she wanted to meet new people and keep connected to her culture. That’s what led to the creation of a pot-luck style meal gathering centred around the Filipino concept of merienda – cooking and trying new snacks with others.

MEET

Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre and Imagine Music combined their passion for bringing people together and started the SPARK Music Program – a creative space for teenagers to connect through music.

MEET

Workplaces can be deceptively social but sometimes feel lonely too. Gill felt isolated at work and created a neurodivergent community group to build real connections with colleagues and peers. United by a desire to connect, she and Amie became fast friends.

MEET

For 23 years, Bruce has been a familiar and welcoming face at the heart of the Deception Bay community. For Natasha, the Neighbourhood House has become a second home – a place where she shares her paintings, brings her children, and keeps coming back to connect.

WHY MAKE ROOM?

1 IN 2 PEOPLE

living in Australia experience some form of social disconnection

Loneliness and social isolation are shared human experiences that require a shared response.

In collaboration with the University of Sydney and Wallis Social, our latest research report, Understanding and Rebuilding Social Connection in Australia, examines how loneliness and social isolation show up in our lives and how our roles, relationships, health and surroundings impact meaningful social connections.

COMING SOON – JULY 2026

HOW TO MAKE ROOM FOR CONNECTION

You don’t need to start something new or take on a big commitment – making room for connection can begin with the circles, spaces and interests you already have.

Individuals

Workplaces

Schools/ Universities

Communities

Take the
Connector Quiz

Simple Guide to
Making Room

Understanding Loneliness
Resource Pack

Auslan Understanding Loneliness Video

Feeling lonely is our cue to connect. But knowing where to start can be difficult. That’s why we’re making connection opportunities more visible.

FIND AN EVENT

SUPPORTER TOOLKIT

Everything you need to support Loneliness Awareness Week

01. Social media assets

02. Posters

03. Customisable templates

04. Suggested copy

05. Activation Guide

If you post on social media, don’t forget to tag us and use #MakeRoomForConnection #LonelinessAwarenessWeekAU.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

Thank you to our incredible sponsors, supporters and members who are taking steps to raise awareness of loneliness and support all Australians in building meaningful social connections.

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