We are excited to announce that the 2026 National Loneliness Conference will be held in Melbourne on 21–22 October and early bird registration is now open.
Join leading thinkers, researchers, practitioners and changemakers as we explore loneliness and social connection across the lifespan, from childhood and adolescence through to later life. The conference will bring together evidence, lived experience and practical responses to help create a more connected Australia.
This year, we are very pleased to introduce two awards: The Emerging Researcher in Loneliness Award, recognising outstanding contributions from early-career researchers; and The Community Connector Award, celebrating individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference in fostering social connection.
We are also happy to announce that the Call for Abstracts is now open. We invite researchers, practitioners, people with lived experience and community leaders to submit presentations that showcase innovative ideas, evidence and approaches that help foster social connection and reduce loneliness.
Visit the conference page to explore abstract submissions, award nominations and other conference information.
Loneliness Awareness Week 2026 is just around the corner!
Loneliness Awareness Week Australia will take place from 3–9 August, and this year’s theme, Make Room for Connection, reminds us that connection doesn’t happen by accident, it grows in the spaces and opportunities we intentionally create for one another.
Whether it’s making time for a conversation, welcoming someone new, or creating opportunities for people to come together, we all have a role to play in building a more connected Australia.
To help you start planning for the week, we encourage you to visit the Loneliness Awareness Week website:
-Download the Loneliness Awareness Week Toolkit for ideas, resources and practical ways to get involved. -Start thinking about simple activities or events you could host in your workplace, school, community group or neighbourhood make room for connection. The toolkit includes a guide to help you plan your activities. -Register for the Loneliness Awareness Launch Webinar on July 15th, at 2pm here. -Share the campaign with colleagues, friends and networks to help spread the message. -Make room for connection in your everyday interactions and encourage others to do the same.
Ending Loneliness Together Webinar on Global Social Connection
Loneliness Awareness Week 4-10 August
Reserve Your Spot Now!
New Report: Recommendations to tackle growing rates of loneliness in young people
Meet the four researchers tackling social isolation and loneliness in chronic disease management
Research & Lived Experience Informing Practice and Policy Symposium
CEO Associate Professor Michelle Lim joins global experts on the WHO Commission on Social Connection Technical Advisory Group
Loneliness and the holidays
A discussion with Associate Professor Michelle Lim
Australia’s first Loneliness Awareness Week (7-13 August)
New online directory to help 5 million Australians experiencing loneliness find connection
Ending Loneliness Together Partners with AIA Australia
Ending Loneliness Together Latest White Paper
Ending Loneliness Together Partners with Medibank
Ending Loneliness Together Partners with Bolton Clarke
Let’s Talk Loneliness and Communities
Let’s End Loneliness Campaign to Address Loneliness in Victoria
Loneliness and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Five Myths About Loneliness Resource
Kindness: A Cure for Loneliness?
A Guide to Measuring Loneliness for Community Organisations
Lockdowns make people lonely. Here are 3 steps we can take now to help each other
Launching the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection
Let’s talk about loneliness and heart health: Does loneliness increase our risk of heart disease?
Technology as a Tool to Reduce Loneliness in Older Adults
Ending Loneliness Together joins forces to call for a National Strategy to Address Loneliness
Let’s talk about workplace loneliness: How do you know if you’re lonely at work?
Can People be Medicine for the Lonely?
The lonely worker: Loneliness in the age of remote working
1 in 3 young adults is lonely – and it affects their mental health
Lonely in lockdown? You’re not alone. 1 in 2 Australians feel more lonely since coronavirus
Loneliness is a health issue, and needs targeted solutions
Ending Loneliness Together in Australia White Paper
Join the Movement to End Loneliness Together
It’s hard to admit we’re lonely, even to ourselves. Here are the signs and how to manage them
Social distancing can make you lonely. Here’s how to stay connected when you’re in lockdown
