Social Connection

Ideas to Stay Connected

A directory of activities, groups and services to help you find social connection.

Choose something that interests you, or explore a new activity that feels right for you:

• Need help finding the right activity?
• Meet people and build friendships
• Stay active
• Learn something new
• Enjoy nature and the outdoors
• For people with dementia, and their caregivers
• Connect from home
• Volunteer and give back
• Connect across generations
• Faith and spirituality
• Phone-based conversations
• Other directories to find local activities

Need help finding the right activity?

Social Health Connect (run by Footprints)

Social Health Connect is a free service for adults living in the Redcliffe, Caboolture or Kilcoy areas. It is designed for people whose social needs, such as feeling lonely or disconnected, are affecting their health and wellbeing.

If you join the program, you will be matched with a dedicated Link Worker who will:

• listen to what matters to you
• help you set personal goals
• connect you with local activities, groups and services that match your interests

Meet people and build friendships

Local seniors and community centres

Community centres provide opportunities to meet people, join activities and develop friendships through regular social contact.

Examples include:

• Sandgate & District Senior Citizens Centre
• BrisWest Centre, Paddington
• Encircle Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre, Lawnton

For more information:

• Moreton Bay Council seniors services
• Neighbourhood Centres Queensland

Men’s Sheds

Men’s Sheds provide a welcoming environment for older men to connect with others through practical activities, shared interests and conversation.

Activities may include woodworking, small projects, sharing skills, having a meal together or simply enjoying time with others.

Women’s Sheds

Women’s Sheds provide opportunities for women to connect through creative activities, practical projects, learning and social time.

They are welcoming spaces where women can share skills, build friendships and support each other.

Country Women’s Association (CWA)

The CWA provides opportunities for women to meet others, participate in community activities and build friendships.

Many branches hold regular meetings, social activities and community events.

Comlink Australia – Social Support

Comlink Australia supports older people to stay connected, active and involved in their community.

Support may include:

• social visits and companionship
• assistance to attend outings or appointments
• group activities and community events

A calendar of events is available on their website.

Burnie Brae Community Centre

Burnie Brae is a welcoming community centre located in Chermside. You don’t have to live nearby to attend. Everyone is welcome if you’re able to travel there. There is a small membership fee to join.

It offers a range of activities and services all in one place, including:

• gym designed for older adults, with physiotherapists available
• community garden
• café for socialising and relaxing
• hall where a variety of activities, events, and group outings are held

Stay active

Walking and activity groups

Joining an activity group can be a great way to combine physical activity with social connection. Regular groups provide opportunities to meet people, develop friendships and stay active.

Examples include:

• Heart Foundation Walking groups
• local walking groups
• bushwalking groups

GOLD (Growing Older and Living Dangerously)

The Brisbane City Council GOLD program provides affordable exercise classes and social activities for older adults.

Activities include:

• yoga
• functional fitness
• Tai Chi Qigong
• Pilates
• Zumba Gold
• aqua aerobics

Activities are offered across Brisbane in parks, pools and community venues.

Learn something new

University of the Third Age (U3A)

U3A offers low-cost classes and interest groups for retirees and older adults.

Activities include:

• language classes
• history and learning groups
• music activities
• technology classes
• discussion groups

Learning alongside others can be a great way to stay engaged and meet new people.

Brisbane City Council 50 Plus Centre

The 50 Plus Centre is a community hub offering older adults opportunities to socialise, learn new skills and participate in low-cost activities.

Activities include:

• fitness
• arts
• education
• games
• social groups

Enjoy nature and the outdoors

Community gardens

Community gardens provide opportunities to spend time outdoors, learn new skills and meet people with shared interests.

Green Thumb Farm

Green Thumb Farm is a community farm in Samford Valley offering opportunities for gardening, volunteering, workshops and social activities.

People of all ages and abilities can enjoy nature, learn about sustainable food growing and connect with others.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens activities

Brisbane City Council offers free and low-cost activities at the City Botanic Gardens and Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha.

Activities include:

• guided garden walks
• gardening workshops
• nature-based events

These provide opportunities for gentle activity, learning and social connection.

For people with dementia and their caregivers

QAGOMA Art and Dementia Program

The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Art and Dementia Program provides dementia-friendly gallery experiences for people living with dementia and their care partners.

The program uses art, conversation and creative activities to support connection, confidence and enjoyment.

Sing Sing Sing Dementia Choir

Sing Sing Sing is a community choir for people living with dementia, their families and supporters.

The choir provides a welcoming environment where people can enjoy music, singing and social connection.

Bright ‘N’ Sparks Dementia Choir

Bright ‘N’ Sparks is a dementia-friendly choir based at the Brighton Wellness Hub.

It provides opportunities for people living with dementia, families and carers to enjoy singing, movement and connection.

Memory Lane Cafés

Memory Lane Cafés are dementia-friendly social groups run by Dementia Australia for people living with dementia, their families and carers.

They provide opportunities to meet others, participate in activities and access information and support.

Connect from home

Dossy

Dossy helps people stay socially connected through simple technology. It connects people with friendly volunteers and family members through video calls.

It may be particularly helpful for people who:

• live with dementia
• receive palliative care
• feel lonely or socially isolated

Inclusee

Inclusee is a not-for-profit online community helping older people and carers stay socially connected from home.

Activities include:

• social groups
• friendly chats
• learning programs
• online events

Volunteer and give back

Examples include:

• Volunteering Queensland
• GoVolunteer
• FareShare – Food preparation and community volunteering opportunities.
• TPCH Charlie’s Angels – A volunteer group supporting patients, families and staff at The Prince Charles Hospital.

Connect across generations

Intergenerational activities

Spending time with younger people can provide enjoyment, purpose and connection.

Ways to get involved may include:

• mentoring younger people
• volunteering at schools
• reading with children at libraries
• participating in community gardens

Faith and spirituality

Churches, mosques, temples, and other spiritual groups can be a helpful way to stay connected.

They often offer:

• regular gatherings or services
• pastoral care and support
• opportunities to volunteer
• friendship and social networks

For many older people, being part of a spiritual or faith community provides a strong sense of belonging and regular social contact.

Phone-based conversations

For people who would like regular social contact from home:

Red Cross Services

Friendly phone calls designed to support social connection.

For more information:

• TeleCross
• TeleChat

Friends for Good – FriendLine

A telephone friendship service providing opportunities for friendly conversation and connection.

Other directories to find local activities

These are good resources for finding community supports, events, clubs/associations and other groups who provide opportunities for social connection:

• Ask Izzy
• LiveUp
• Meetup
• My Community Directory