St Vincent de Paul Canberra/Goulburn sees every day that loneliness and disadvantage are closely connected, CEO Lucy Hohnen says.
“We often meet people who tell us they haven’t had a meaningful conversation in days or even weeks. While they may come to us seeking help with food, housing or other essentials, what they’re often looking for is human connection and the reassurance that someone cares.”
Loneliness can affect anyone, regardless of age, income or background, but Vinnies particularly sees it among people who have recently moved to the region; older people living alone; carers; people with disability; people facing illness or financial hardship; and people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
“When people are struggling to pay rent, keep up with rising living costs, manage illness, navigate relationship breakdowns or find secure housing, they can become disconnected from the people and communities around them,” Ms Hohnen said.
“Financial pressure can make it harder to stay involved in everyday activities, catch up with friends or participate in community life. Without strong social connections, people can feel less confident reaching out for support when they need it most.”
But creating connection and community is at the heart of Vinnies’ work, Ms Hohnen said. Vinnies runs volunteer home visitation programs, community support centres, emergency relief services, and outreach programs.
The Compeer Program matches volunteers with people with mental health challenges. It aims to reduce social isolation and combat the stigma attached to mental health.
“Through regular friendship and social connection, Compeer helps participants build confidence, strengthen relationships and reduce feelings of isolation,” Ms Hohnen said.
Every evening, the Vinnies Night Patrol brings food, warm clothes, and conversation to its ‘companions’ – people sleeping rough, people at risk of homelessness, people who are socially isolated, and, increasingly, working people whose wages cover rent but not enough food. (Read our earlier article about the Vinnies Night Patrol.)
Coordinator Colette Neumann said: “Sometimes the most important thing we offer on Night Patrol isn’t the food or practical support, it’s the conversation. For some people, our volunteers are the only people they will speak to that day. We hear their stories, we remember their names, and we take the time to simply sit and listen.
“Nobody should feel invisible. That moment of connection can remind someone that they are valued, cared for and part of a community. We often talk about the impact our volunteers have on the people we meet, but many volunteers tell us the experience changes them too. They find friendship, purpose and connection through helping others. It’s a beautiful reminder that when we reach out to support someone else, we strengthen our whole community.”
Ms Hohnen said: “Loneliness isn’t always something we can see, but we know its impact can be significant. At Vinnies, we often meet people who are carrying challenges on their own and simply need someone to listen, connect and walk alongside them.
“Human connection is something we all need to thrive, and sometimes a conversation, a visit or a friendship can be just as important as any practical support. Sometimes, a Vinnies volunteer may be the only person someone speaks to that day, and that conversation can mean more than we realise.
“Programs like Compeer and Night Patrol show the incredible difference that kindness, community and genuine relationships can make in someone’s life.”
Volunteering with Vinnies can be a powerful way to combat loneliness and build connection, Ms Hohnen said.
“It provides an opportunity to meet like-minded people, develop friendships, give back to the community and be part of something bigger than yourself. Many of our volunteers tell us that while they joined to help others, they gained a strong sense of purpose, belonging and connection themselves.”
Find out more at https://www.vinnies.org.au/act-surrounds/get-involved/volunteering-act-surrounds.
