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Connection helps us feel like we belong and is good for our mental wellbeing

Posted 23 Aug 2026

Feeling social for September?

Everybody connects differently. Some of us are social butterflies and keen to join in, while others prefer to connect in quieter ways.  We are all different.

Our circumstances can make a difference too. Moving house, relocating, starting a new job or changing schools can take us away from family, friends, familiar faces and the people we usually connect with, leaving us feeling a little disconnected.

So for our Social September initiative we’re saying encouraging you to join in, reach out, include someone and best of all, keep it simple!

Join in

Shared interests are a great way to connect with others – whether you’re learning to knit at your local community centre, painting a mural, logging on to your weekly online group or volunteering at the local dog shelter.

You just never know who you might meet along the way.

Reach out

Send that letter. Make the call. Check in with someone you haven’t spoken to for a while.

Sometimes connection starts with one person making the first move.

Who could you reach out to this Social September?

Include someone

Invite someone along. Welcome a new neighbour. Make space at the table. Think about someone who might appreciate being included and ask them to join you.

We all like to feel like we belong.

Keep it simple

Sometimes it’s a big smile, a simple hello or a chat about last night’s footy game.

Connection can be that simple.

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Ideas for community groups and workplaces

• Set up informal spaces for people to connect.
• Host casual catch-ups – morning tea or pop-up picnics.
• Start shared activities like book swaps or retro games get togethers.
• Use a noticeboard or group chat to share what’s on.
• Encourage staff or group members to invite friends and family along.
• Promote small acts of kindness like uplifting notes or lending a hand.