New national research shows that loneliness and social isolation are common across South Australia, with the State of the Nation 2026 report from Ending Loneliness Together revealing that 51 per cent of South Australians feel socially disconnected.
Some 42 per cent are socially isolated and 31 per cent report loneliness - slightly above the national average of 28 per cent - while 22 per cent experience both.
Loneliness Awareness Week runs from 3 to 9 August, with this year's theme – Make room to connect – reflecting a simple idea: connection rarely happens by chance.
It usually takes someone opening a door, extending an invitation or making space for a person who might otherwise be left out.
A cup of tea. A friendly chat. An invitation to join in.
Small moments like these can help people feel seen, welcome and less socially isolated.
Loneliness and social isolation are related, but they are not the same.
Loneliness is the feeling that our relationships do not meet our needs. Social isolation means having few relationships, social contacts or opportunities to spend time with others.
A person can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. Another person may spend a lot of time alone but not feel lonely.
Small steps can build connection
Associate Professor Michelle Lim is the CEO and Scientific Chair of Ending Loneliness Together, which produced the report.
Speaking to ABC News about forming meaningful relationships, she said: "Relationships take time … and it’s really those little steps and little effort and being more open and curious."
The report supports this message. It found that spending time with friends, talking to neighbours, attending community events and volunteering can all help protect people from loneliness and social isolation.
Helping people find their community
The Department of Human Services (DHS) supports connection through the Community Connections Program (external site), which provides short-term support for South Australians aged 18 to 64 who want to become more involved in their community.
It supports people who are not eligible for programs such as the NDIS or My Aged Care.
Community Connections is delivered by local program partners across South Australia. Partners help people meet others, take part in activities and build supportive relationships that can continue after they leave the program.
During Loneliness Awareness Week, partners are hosting free activities across metropolitan and regional South Australia.
Activities include coffee catch-ups, community lunches, art, games and welcoming places where people can meet others. Events are being held in areas including Mitchell Park, Adelaide, the western suburbs, the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.
A welcoming room for Arabic-speaking women
In Adelaide’s west, Community Connections partner Community Access and Services SA, known as CAASSA, is helping Arabic-speaking women form friendships and feel part of their community.
The CAASSA Arabic Women’s Group was created after local women said they wanted more 
chances to meet and talk in their own language. Some women faced language barriers or had few opportunities to meet people outside their homes.
The group offers a safe women-only space where participants can talk, learn and enjoy activities together. These include cooking, exercise, arts and crafts, outings and health information sessions.
Since the group began in 2024, women have built friendships, grown in confidence and learned more about local services. Strong attendance and a waiting list show how important the group has become. More than 120 women also attended a recent Arabic Women’s Night filled with food, dancing, laughter and connection.
Sparking new friendships in the Adelaide Hills
The Spark program is also bringing people together across the Adelaide Hills.
Spark grew from a community research project between the University of South Australia and The Hut Community Centre. Local men helped design practical ways to reduce loneliness and build social connection.
DHS's Office for Ageing Well supported the original project through a $40,000 Positive Ageing Fellowship Grant. Community Connections also provided just over $3000 for Spark activities delivered by The Hut and Mount Barker Community Centre.
Spark now offers:
- weekly conversation groups in cafes and other local venues
- a men’s group with pool, darts, cards and company
- a monthly club for people who work remotely
- nature walks
- creative workshops.
Find out more about Spark: Spark: Igniting Human Connection (external site).
Supporting connection as we age
The Office for Ageing Well (external site) supports South Australians to stay active, connected and involved as they grow older.
South Australia’s Plan for Ageing Well 2026–2036 recognises that neighbours, friends, walking groups and community centres can provide important support during life changes such as retirement, illness or the loss of someone close.
This work will continue during South Australia’s Week of Ageing Well (external site), which begins on 1 October. South Australians will be encouraged to take simple steps such as checking in with a neighbour, contacting an old friend or joining a local activity.
Make room for someone this week
Everyone can help create connection.
You could invite someone for coffee, introduce yourself to a neighbour, contact a person you have not spoken to recently or attend a local event.
A small invitation may feel simple, but it could help someone feel that there is a place for them.
Find a Loneliness Awareness Week activity (external site) near you or learn more about the Community Connections Program (external site) and its local partners.
This article was produced by the Department of Human Services and has been reproduced with permission.
