How can I connect?

The Letterbox Project - I would like to write or receive letters
Hobby Groups - I would like to join a virtual community group

What we do

We’re Connected AU, a social impact organisation committed to reducing isolation and loneliness in vulnerable populations. Our mission is to ensure everybody in our community feels visible, valued and connected. How do we do it? Through two simple yet impactful programs:

Letterbox Project -  We coordinate the exchange of handwritten letters between the wider community and people experiencing isolation and loneliness. The Letterbox Project is the only program of its kind that creates real, meaningful connection combined with safety, security and management. 

Hobby Groups - Safe and welcoming online spaces where people enjoy engagement and connection from the comfort of their own home. Our hobby groups provide a community for people who feel isolated and lonely, away from social media.


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Letter and photos of garden with packet of seeds sent to one of our recipients

Who we are

Connected AU has rapidly grown from humble beginnings into a national service supporting tens of thousands of people. The impact has been enormous, measurable, and reflective of a need in the community. The need to provide connection, community and companionship to isolated and lonely people in the comfort and safety of their own home. Our two programs provide safe, monitored connection to ensure everybody in our community stays visible and valued.

We have a team of passionate and dedicated staff with an office based in Dubbo, NSW. Find out more about who we are, and what our goals are for the future

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Founder Mea holding a folder whilst she and anther woman smile and talk
The letterbox project, proudly supported by Tetley Tea

Our major supporter, Tetley Tea

We are thrilled to announce Tetley Tea as our major partner for 2021.

Tetley Tea has been bringing warm and comforting tea blends to the world since 1837 when the Tetley Brothers began trading tea in the United Kingdom. Now the second largest manufacturer of tea in the world, with tea enjoyed in around 40 countries. Tetley strives towards creating not merely the perfect brew but also a sustainable environment and better lives for all.

Tetley is one of the founding members of the Ethical Tea Partnership, committed to improving the conditions of farmers growing our tea around the world. Tetley is also part of the Rainforest Alliance, a not-for-profit organisation that aims at conserving the biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable livelihood.

Tetley has generously supported our Letterbox Project for 2021, enabling us to continue to provide this as a free service to people across Australia. Read more about Tetley and our partnership below.

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Loneliness is an equal risk factor for mortality as smoking and obesity

It is linked to multiple chronic conditions including heart disease, lung disease, CV disease, stroke and metabolic disease. It is also a major predicator of psychological problems including depression and anxiety.

our impact

Roma

Roma 85 lives alone on the coast of NSW. Retired intensive care nurse, suffers from Parkinson’s.

“ I was so surprised to receive my letter! It is beautiful. I can not write back because of my hands, so please pass on my dearest thanks. Please tell Alexis that I will keep her picture forever”

Jack

Jack 97 lives alone in Melbourne.

“It made me feel so special, and just remembered. I got my old type writer out and have enjoyed two more letters with my pen pal”.

Anonymous

Our mother, 93, has received 7 letters so far. I can’t begin to describe how much of an impact it has had on her entire life. It’s as though she feels connected now to the world. Like she is back in it. 

She has started learning about Italian history, because her letter writer is Italian. It’s the first real interest, and proactive/purposeful thing she has done in years.

The people in this project, the letter writers, are real life heroes.

Mark

Mark 7 lives with his family in WA, suffers from muscular dystrophy. Mark is restricted in his movements and feels isolated from the community and peers his own age. Mark received two letters from two different families, he has now exchanged 8 letters in total and his mother says

"this has given him a new focus, a new excitement and motivation. He loves monitoring for the mail, waiting for his letters, and he spends so much time thinking about and planning his replies. It's given him connection that we didn't know how to give him outside our family."

Friends of Connected AU

Helio

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