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30 ways to connect and overcome loneliness

If you’re experiencing loneliness and feeling disconnected from other people, the best thing you can do is start to reach out.

Here are some ideas to inspire you to reach out, deal with loneliness and find belonging – from a simple wave or hello to a neighbour to joining groups and activities with like-minded people.

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Getting to know people takes time

There are lots of different ways to connect with people and there’s no right or wrong way – it’s about finding what is comfortable for you right now and being patient with yourself.

Remember that as you reach out, you are guaranteed to find people out there who are also feeling lonely and want to connect with you. If things don’t happen straight away don’t give up. Relationships grow over time, and sometimes it can take a while to find what you’re looking for. Every little step you take towards connection with other people is good for you.

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Connect through the power of the internet

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Call, text, or send a voice message to family, housemates, or trusted friends. Tell them you were thinking about them, share something interesting or invite them for a walk, meal, or activity.

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Suggest a video chat with old friends, school mates, or work mates. Connect with family or friends interstate or overseas with catchups or online games.

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Search online groups like Facebook, Discord, or Reddit for interests, life stages, or identities – for example, "blokes cooking", or "neurodivergent chat."

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Connect on forums like Beyond Blue Forums with people who share your experiences, where you can understand and support each other.

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Connect through the power of the pen

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Connect on forums like Beyond Blue Forums with people who share your experiences, where you can understand and support each other.

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Send a postcard or handmade gift to a member of your family or someone who lives far away.

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If you’re interested in stories, there are writing groups and centres, story readings and poetry slams all around Australia.

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Connect through your neighbourhood

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Introduce yourself to your neighbours, especially the elderly or isolated. Smile, wave, or say hello. Small gestures build connection over time.

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Suggest a neighbourhood block party or informal meal where everyone brings a dish (check your local council website for street party regulations.)

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Check out what’s happening at your town hall, local government, community centre, the CFA or CWA if you’re in a rural area – you could join in all kinds of neighbourhood projects.

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If you have a dog, visit pet-friendly parks or join a puppy training group. Pets are great connectors, and your furry friend will enjoy the new company too.

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Connect through common interests

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Browse nearby stores or markets, or visit a local gallery. You don't have to buy anything. Interesting conversations often pop up in these places.

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Check out hobby groups, book clubs, art or music groups – join a local choir if singing is your thing. Common creative interests bring people together.

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Look at local bulletin boards, council websites or local area Facebook Groups for clubs to join, like gardening, cycling, men's sheds, or parenting groups.

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Most towns in Australia have local libraries, which are more than just places to borrow books – they run events and exhibitions and common interest groups.

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Connect through culture

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If you’re First Nations looking to connect, reach out to an Elder, land council or community centre. Join in cultural events and ceremonies, visit country or learn about country through visual means if you can’t travel. Spend time yarning and listening to stories, language and teachings.

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If you’re a new resident in Australia looking to connect with your culture or language, search for local community groups, information at immigration centres, and organisations like the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

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Join a faith-based organisation to connect with others. Attend services or events at churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, or meditation groups. Many offer social support too.

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Look out for multicultural festivals, and arts, music, culture or food festivals – Australia has many cultural arts and community festivals year-round.

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Connect through giving

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Volunteering is rewarding and builds connections. Try a food bank, charity, animal shelter, or polling booth. Or join Beyond Blue’s volunteer crew!

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If you have children, join a parents' group at their school, or get involved with committees for their out-of-school activities, like sporting clubs.

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Look for opportunities at work to join committees, like social committees or special projects, where you can meet colleagues who share your interests.

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If you have a hobby or interest you love to talk about, look up your local community radio station (if presenting isn't for you, they always need volunteers.)

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Connect through movement

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Local exercise groups often meet regularly to work out together, and often end with a cool down and chat, offering a great chance to meet new people.

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Join a local sporting team or check local clubs for casual games. If you’re not able to play a sport you could join a local fan club or organising committee.

Explore Meetup, Eventbrite, libraries, community boards, or council programs for inclusive or beginner-friendly options for a new activity that sparks your interest.

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Join in walking groups, yoga or tai chi in the park (check community centres for low-cost or inclusive classes) and free events like Parkrun, that are open to all abilities.

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Connect through learning

Search for workshops or classes on topics, arts or crafts you enjoy. Libraries, local government, Neighbourhood Houses, Health Centres, TAFE and community colleges often have free classes.

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Check your local university or college for free public lectures. If you're over 50 and retired or semi-retired, you could join the University of the 3rd Age to connect while learning.

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If you’re studying, join a student club, cultural or study group. Check your campus portal, student union, or student support. If you’ve completed studies, join an Alumni group.