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Benefits of staying connected

When we're part of a community, we feel that we belong. Life has meaning.  

 Staying connected with other people helps us:

  • Live a full and interesting life.
  • Try new things in good company.
  • Feel good about ourselves and our relationships.
  • Feel less alone, since we have relationships with people who know, respect and understand us.
  • Recover from stress, anxiety and depression.
  • Have people to turn to for support when we experience hard times.
  • Sleep better, be healthier and feel more content.
  • Give back to our community, which is good for others and ourselves.
When we come together, we're all stronger. As part of a community, you can lean on others when you need support and they can count on you, too.

How to stay connected

There are all sorts of friendships. When we spend time with people, it doesn't have to be one-on-one, in-person, or all about sitting still and talking.

To stay connected, you could:

  • Take up a hobby with someone.
  • Message people online, like in a group or club based around a shared interest or experience.
  • Talk on the phone or via an app.
  • Go for a walk, play sports, go on a ride or do some other physical activity with a group of people.
  • Date.
  • Join a spiritual or religious community, like a church, temple or mosque.
  • Do a class like yoga, meditation, or dance.
  • Get creative, taking an acting class or joining a group who paint outside.
  • Learn a musical instrument or play your instrument with others.
  • Join a community group, like a community garden or birdwatchers.
  • Start a habit that puts you in contact with people. For example:
    • Swim at the same time and place every week.
    • Take your dog for a walk, walking the same way every time.
    • Go to the same café at the same time every day.
    • Do another regular activity that you enjoy.

Tips to find connection if you often feel lonely

If you've felt isolated or alone for a long time, it can be scary and hard to reach out to other people.

Here are some ideas you can try:

  • Set yourself a small goal, like sending a friendly text message or making a plan to do something fun with one person once a week.
  • Be proactive. Contact people yourself rather than waiting for them to contact you.
  • Be friendly to people you see regularly but don't know well, like a cashier at a grocery store or someone who works in a library or café near your house. You don't have to have a deep and meaningful conversation. Just smile, say hi, and ask, "How are you?" Many people are happy to have friendly chats with strangers. It's a great way to reduce loneliness – perhaps for them as well as you!
  • Try to say yes when invited to join a social activity, even if it's something new. You might enjoy it more than you expect. However, don't feel like you have to do things you know you don't like. It's good to be yourself. That way, people get to know the real you.
  • Ask about existing groups you could join. It could be a group that does a hobby you enjoy. Or, it could be about a disability you have, your gender or sexual identity, or some other shared interest.
  • Treat others how you'd like to be treated. For example, send birthday cards or good luck text messages if you'd like to get those things yourself. People will often respond in kind. Even if you don't get a reply straight away, there may be benefits later.
  • Make time for family and old friends. Enjoy the relationships you do have. People who are grateful often find it easier to get on with others.
  • Make connecting with other people a habit, something you do regularly. Like any skill, making friends gets easier with practice.
  • If you like animals, get a pet. Pets make great friends. They are loving and accept us just as we are. Plus, pets can be a conversation starter. For example, if you take a dog for a walk, people will often stop to say hello.

1800 RESPECT

If you experience violence or abuse you can contact 1800 RESPECT for support and counselling.
Call 1800 737 732 or go to the 1800 RESPECT website to chat with someone online (external link).

‍To contact 1800RESPECT via SMS, text ‘HELLO’ or any greeting to 0458 737 732 to start the conversation.

Story

Laura used to play her guitar daily. However, life got in the way. Gradually, she lost the motivation to keep practising. One day, she remembers the pleasure she used to get from playing. She sees a community notice for a music class in her area. She decides to join. There are ten people in the class, including the teacher. Now, Laura plays the guitar again and has new friends she regularly meets for coffee after class.

Our community

This section invites you to consider your place in our community. We discuss diversity. We explain intersectionality. How do these big ideas influence you day-to-day? What do you share with others around you? What makes you different? What makes you unique?

Find out more

Standing up for yourself

Self-advocacy involves speaking up, solving problems and taking action to help you live your best life. Here, we share tips for getting to know what you want. We explain how to stand up for yourself in a way that helps others listen and share your vision.

Find out more

Resources.

May 4, 2024

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Headspace

Body scan meditation to reduce stress

Here’s everything you need to know about body scan meditation — including how to do it.

Check resource

May 4, 2024

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Participate Australia

Making Money Easy

A tool to support children, teens and adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability to learn basic counting and money handling skills.

Check resource

May 4, 2024

|

Disability Australia Hub

Self-advocacy

Self-advocacy is when someone with disability speaks up and represents themselves. This guide shows you how.

Check resource

May 7, 2024

|

Touching Base

Booklets For People With Disability

Resources and information for people with disability about seeing a sex worker.

Check resource

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Connecting with the community

Life is more enjoyable when we spend time with friends, family, and other people who understand us. These social connections also improve our mental and physical health. Here, you'll find tips to help you connect with friends, family, and the wider world. We discuss why you should make the effort, even when it's hard.

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