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.

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.

Connect through the power of the internet

Illustration of man looking down at his phone

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.

Illustration of a women engaged in an online counselling session

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.

Illustration of a support services online chat on a device

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

Illustration of person connecting with community in an online chat

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

Loading component...

Connect through the power of the pen

Illustration of open mailbox with new mail

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

Illustration of a heart between cupped hands

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

Illustration of man reading a book on the ground

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

Loading component...

Connect through your neighbourhood

Illustration of woman riding bike to a local small business

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

Illustration of two friends eating a dining table

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

Illustration of a person searching for online mental health support

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.

Illustration of a couple walking their dog

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.

Loading component...

Connect through common interests

Illustration of a woman with her hand on a man's back looking outward

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.

Illustration of woman sitting and listening to music on the floor

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.

Illustration of a man planting a garden bed

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.

Illustration of a person sitting on the ground reading a book

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.

Loading component...

Connect through culture

Illustration of hand reaching down to another

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.

Illustration of a couple sitting on a park bench embracing each other

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.

Illustration of two people in conversation

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.

Illustration of bowls, a mug and utensils

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

Loading component...

Connect through giving

Illustration of two people talking in front of a laptop on a desk

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

Illustration of pregnant woman talking to her friend holding a child

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.

Illustration of four people sitting and talking around a laptop on a desk

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

Illustration of two friends having a conversation over coffee

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.)

Loading component...

Connect through movement

Illustration of two people exercising together with dumbbells

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.

Illustration of two people running outside

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.

Illustration of woman meditating on her mat

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.

Loading component...

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.

Illustration of a man offering support and services

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.

Illustration of four friends embracing one another

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.